# UNHCR launches first virtual marathon appeal

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/06/20/unhcr-launches-first-virtual-marathon-appeal/
- Published: 2017-06-20T20:46:55+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**UNHCR, the United Nations refugee agency, has launched its first virtual marathon
fundraising appeal.**

 

Launching today on **World Refugee Day** (20 June), #TheExtraMile appeal has been
developed by online giving platform GivePenny.

## Advertisement

 

Supporters are asked to run, jog or walk 27 miles over the next month, raising awareness
and earning donations for each mile that they complete.

 

GivePenny has integrated its fundraising system with the GPS-tracking app RunKeeper,
used by 45 million people around the world. Participants will be able to encourage
donations per mile completed, or one-off donations.

 

![#TheExtraMile campaign for UNHCR](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2017/06/
the-extra-mile-give-penny-unhcr.jpg)

 

## #TheExtraMile

 

The UNHCR team have worked with the GivePenny team (who call themselves ‘FUN-Raisers’)
to create a central campaign page, together with associated fundraising pages for
each participant’s Runkeeper account.

 

Shazia Hassan at UNHCR said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the GivePenny
team on [#TheExtraMile](http://www.givepenny.com/appeal/theextramile). Their dedication
and passion has really shone through whilst we have been working on getting this
challenge set up.”

 

Other campaigns are reportedly already been discussed between the partners.

 

![GivePenny's #TheExtraMile for UNHCR](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2017/
06/the-extra-mile-give-penny-unhcr-square.jpg)

 

Lee Clark, Chief FUN-Raiser and Idea Ninja at GivePenny, said: “We couldn’t be prouder
to be asked to develop #TheExtraMile virtual marathon appeal for UNHCR, the UN refugee
agency. In a world where one in 113 people have been forced to flee their homes 
because of war or persecution, every little act of kindness and support matters.

 

“Building a fun and engaging experience for fundraisers has been at the front of
our minds throughout the project…”

 

Clark will be taking part in the challenge. He added: “I can’t wait to lace up my
trainers and earn donations for every mile I run for this incredible cause”.

 

https://twitter.com/givepennyuk/status/877120033037709312

 

GivePenny has been working with charities since last year to create innovative fundraising
appeals and events, while developing a place for people to connect more of their
online lives to giving behaviour.

 

 

 

 * **[GivePenny connects fundraisers to Twitch](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/01/31/givepenny-connects-fundraisers-twitch/)(
   31 January 2017)**
 * **[Whale & Dolphin Conservation launch gaming appeal with GivePenny](https://fundraising.co.uk/2017/05/30/whale-dolphin-conservation-launch-gaming-appeal-givepenny/)(
   30 May 2017)**
 * **[GivePenny adds virtual appeals and events to its online giving platform](https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/08/23/givepenny-adds-virtual-events-appeals-online-giving-platform/)(
   23 August 2016)**

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