Run and change a life. Just like the Good Samaritan, you can help change the life of a stranger. Through the Samaritan 5K, we’re raising support for children and families who depend on garbage dumps for their survival and livelihood.
With your help, children in these developing nations can attend school and pick future careers instead of picking through trash.
“My mother is a widow, and she has been struggling to pay my school fees. I was about to give up. However, International Samaritan intervened just in time to resurrect my hopes. For the first time in many years, my school fees have been entirely covered, allowing me to concentrate solely on preparing for my final examinations.”
Gava
High School senior in Uganda
“I want to be a doctor to save many lives and help the people in my neighborhood since many people here do not have money to go to the doctor.”
Jonatan
Age 11, Samaritan Scholar in Honduras
Thank you to our 2023 sponsors:
Become a Sponsor
Use the form below to contact us about becoming a race sponsor in 2024.
2023 race highlights
Our global 5K raised enough money to fund 50 new holistic scholarships!
Churches, schools, and families across the United States raised $150,000 in just two months.
Samaritan Scholars from all eight communities raced! Our fastest racer was from Ethiopia, and our fastest country was Jamaica.
The 5k’s causes over the years
2022 Global 5K
“Mari’s family uses rainwater to drink, cook, and bathe, as well as wash clothes, utensils, and everything else. They were embarrassed to tell us that they also drink this water. I am so very happy that this water project is changing the lives of so many.”
Ronia Ramirez, Program Director in Tegucigalpa, Honduras
In 2022, Samaritans raised $200,000 for a clean water system for a community near the city’s garbage dump in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The water system is bringing clean, fresh water to 2,000 people!
2021 Global 5K
Without this assistance, my wife would not be alive, my son would have had to drop out of school, and I would be living on the street.
Temesgen, Parent of a Samaritan Scholar
In 2021, Samaritans raised $126,000 for food support for families around the world. Hundreds of families were able to stay fed despite struggles with job loss, business closures, and the loss of community supports in the pandemic.
2020 Global 5K
Throughout the pandemic, the area in which I struggled most was in my studies. I don’t have a cellphone or a computer. My older brother lent me his phone so that I could connect to my classes, but he worked and if he wasn’t home, neither was his phone. I tried using my sister-in-law’s phone, but it was badly cracked. I quickly fell behind in all my classes. Lectures and all of my assignments required technology.
Now I have my own computer. I finished my school year because of your help. Thanks to you and GOD for this race.
Karen, Samaritan Scholar
In 2020, Samaritans raised $96,500 for computers and tablets for scholars without reliable access to technology. Hundreds of students around the world were able to remain in school after the switch to virtual learning in the pandemic.
About Us
International Samaritan is a nonprofit organization with the designation 501(c)(3). Our headquarters is located in Ann Arbor Michigan.
International Samaritan walks hand-in-hand with people in garbage dump communities, along with those with a calling to help, to break the chains of poverty and to improve our lives together. International Samaritan gained consultative status with the United Nations in 2011.
Hear their stories.
Subscribe to our mailing list to hear stories about our scholars as well as be the first to know about new videos and service opportunities.
