In just one week, this team of 31 runners managed to raise more than €4,800 to support our partners in Gaza and the West Bank. Meet Anthony Milano, a member of the team that made this possible.
What motivated you to create a «Run for Palestine» team for this race in Charleroi?
The idea came from our desire to do more than just run for ourselves. We wanted this sporting challenge to also become an act of solidarity. The situation in Palestine deeply affects us all, and we thought: why not use the visibility of this race to raise awareness and collect funds to support those who need it most?
How did you manage to mobilise 31 runners in such a short time? Did you have a specific strategy?
Honestly, it all started with a small core of motivated friends. We simply put out the call around us, and the response was incredible. Everyone invited their loved ones, colleagues, neighbours... The wave of solidarity attracted many people. I think a lot of people wanted to act, and this race was a concrete and positive way to do it.
€4,800 raised in one week, that's impressive! Can you explain how you went about fundraising?
We focused on simplicity and transparency. Each runner shared a donation link with their contacts, accompanied by a personal message explaining why they were running for Palestine. Social media helped a lot, but word of mouth was also very powerful. When people see a collective and sincere project, they do not hesitate to support it.
What was the role of the «Run for Palestine» T-shirts and the advice provided by Viva Salud in your success?
The T-shirts played an essential role: they gave us a strong visual identity and attracted attention during the race. They sparked curiosity and allowed us to explain our approach to other participants. As for Viva Salud, your practical advice on communication and organisation really helped us to be efficient from the start.
Were there any difficult moments or particular challenges during the organisation?
The main challenge was time: everything happened very quickly. We were afraid we wouldn't be able to coordinate everything, but the team's motivation and solidarity made the difference. Everyone took on a small responsibility, and together we were able to meet the challenge.
What was your feeling at the end of the collection, when you realised that even after the race, donations continued to pour in?
It was a huge thrill! We had set a much more modest goal at the start, so seeing donations continue even after the finish line was a strong sign that our action resonated with people. It gave us a lot of hope and motivation to continue acting for Palestine.
Today, do you know specifically how this €4,800 will be useful for the Palestinian people? Which projects will it go towards?
Yes, thanks to Viva Salud and your local partners, we know that the funds support medical and social initiatives on the ground, especially in Gaza. Specifically, this helps health structures function despite extremely difficult conditions, and also supports community projects that strengthen the resilience of Palestinians.
What message would you give to people who are still hesitant to launch their own «Run for Palestine» project?
I would tell them to go for it! You don't need to be a great athlete or an expert in fundraising. What matters is the will and the collective spirit. Even a small team can have a huge impact. Every step counts, and together we can really make a difference!
