People run for different reasons. Some to feel free or relieve stress, and others do it out of love. On Saturday, members of the community will run and walk for a reason greater than themselves.

Students, faculty, the student organizations Haiti Connection and the Sexual Assault Counseling and Information Service, and members of the Charleston community will run and walk 3.1 miles around Charleston, as part of the 14th annual Run/Walk for Nonviolence. The theme for this years’ fundraiser is Show Me the Way: “There is no way to peace, peace is the way.”

The event will be done in an effort to end violence in the community and global distress.

“For a moment we strive to make our community, world and homes a better place,” said Roy Lantham, the youth minister at the Newman Catholic Center. “While some may think that a run will not solve poverty, domestic violence, or the crime, neither will a closed fist or a gun. But for a moment the participants will get to depict the world free of violence.”

The goal is to get everyone involved to contribute $15 to participate in the event Different businesses, as well as registered students organizations, will also contribute through sponsorships.

A free lunch will be prepared at the end of the run as a reward to all participants.

The nonviolence run/walk is a movement toward change. It involves the Eastern and Charleston community as a whole and provides the chance to make a difference in the community.

Along with helping the community, the participants will also be helping Haiti.

When all the proceeds have been collected 80 percent will go to Haiti in an effort to help with water purification and school sponsorship programs.

Chelsea Hand, a member of the Haiti Connection, has been on the board for several years.

“Haiti has been in the news since the earthquake, and we want to make sure that they are remembered,” Hand said. “Also by having this run/walk for nonviolence we feel as if we are bringing about global change.”

Doris Nordin is another member of Haiti Connection and a ministry leader at the Newman Center.

“Nonviolence is the way that leads us to a better understanding of each other,” Nordin said. “Peace is what we need to overcome disagreements and walk together towards a healthier society.”

The Nonviolence Run will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday. All participants will meet at the Newman Center to begin the 3.l mile run.

Shatierra Parks can be reached at 581-7942 or at sjparks@eiu.edu