Sister Mary’s Children is built on the fundamental idea of community. It is our belief that through each individual’s talents, skills and passions, we each bring something unique to the SMC mission. From our board members, donors, and our partnering project’s directors, social workers and staff, we want to share with you some of the many amazing people that make up the SMC community.
In this vein, we are excited to announce our first such partnership with friend of SMC, Kirstie Meldrum.
Marathon Runner Kirstie Meldrum
Kirstie Meldrum met Sister Mary Paulé in 1993 as a Project Trust Volunteer while working at St. Barnabas’ Hospital near Mthatha, South Africa. Part of her volunteer cohort was based at the Ikwhezi Lokusa School under the direction of Sister Mary Paulé Tacke. Much of Kirstie’s free time away from the Hospital was spent with the group based in Mthatha. It was during these visits that Kirstie grew to know the work of Sister and her projects.
Kirstie fell in love with this area of South Africa and its’ people. She found the local community’s happiness infectious especially in the face of such comparable poverty. Kirstie describes her year of volunteering in South Africa as one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. In 2001, she returned to visit the place and people that had left an indelible mark on her life. During this visit, Kirstie made a promise to help support and champion the work being done with the projects developed by Sister.
Now, 16 years later, with the support of her friends, community and family including her children, Jessica (7) and Fynn (3), Kirstie is championing the work of Sister Mary’s Children. Kirstie’s passion for long distance running has provided the framework for her to support SMC while doing something she loves. On October 29, Kirstie will be participating in the Lucerne, Switzerland Marathon. This will be only her second marathon, and while the training is grueling, she is finding motivation knowing that each step is in support of SMC. With just 2 months left of training, 93% of Kirstie’s target fundraising goal has been met. Thank you for all that have donated!
Support Kirstie!
To support Kirstie’s efforts, check out her JustGiving page or donate directly through the SMC Website.
Follow along as Kirstie prepares for the Lucerne Marathon via her Instagram account @motivate_me_2.
Have an idea?
It is through such collaborations that Sister Mary’s Children is able to grow our work. Let us know if you have ideas for partnering with SMC in the growth of hope, education and empowerment! We would love to hear from you.