Local Teen Runs International Charity
Girls Run Sri Lanka
Cranford teen Leila Cader founded Girls Run Sri Lanka, an international 501c3 charity, based on her own experiences as a young teen that loves to run. Leila, a junior in high school, has run cross country and track and field for Cranford High since her freshman year and is a junior coach at Girls on the Run in Cranford.
After helping young girls develop confidence skills and running techniques for Girls on the Run, she wanted to reach out to young women in Sri Lanka. Girls Run Sri Lanka’s mission is to empower young Sri Lankan girls while helping them become active—both on the track and in their communities.
Leila’s dad, a 10-time marathon runner, was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Leila has traveled to Sri Lanka several times. “I am so grateful to live in this town and country. I am fortunate enough to have participated in sports as a child, and I want to use my privilege to help girls who aren’t as lucky as me.” Leila wants to take her experience and inspire girls to be confident in themselves.
Girls Run Sri Lanka is partnering with the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (similar to the Girls Scouts in the US) and is traveling to Sri Lanka this August for in-person seminars and camps.
“Our goal is to raise $10,000 this year and we are doing that through cookie sales, tote bags, bracelet sales, and donations. People can buy items or donate online at our website (girlsrunsrilanka.org) or via Venmo (@girlsrunsrilanka). We would be happy to deliver any purchases to your home.”
For just $30, you can sponsor a Girls Run Sri Lanka athlete with a confidence journal and T-shirt. All donations are tax deductible as Girls Run Sri Lanka is an IRS approved public charity.
Girls Run Sri Lanka will have a spot at the Cranford Fair on May 1, so, please stop by and say hello!
Courtesy photo
