Who is Exodus World Service?

Exodus World Service mobilizes the Christian community to welcome and befriend refugees. For more than 34 years, Exodus has connected volunteers with refugee families to welcome, visit, help practice English, prepare for the U.S. citizenship exam, and provide one-on-one academic mentoring to refugee kids.

Why refugee kids?

Refugee kids are incredibly resilient. But they face tremendous challenges. Once resettled in America with their families, they find themselves navigating an unfamiliar school system while learning English. Kids need help keeping skills sharp or catching up as the new school year begins.

Your efforts will give refugee kids across Chicagoland academic support and encouragement from trained volunteer mentors, helping them succeed in school and beyond.

Where is the Run/Walk?

Join us for the 5K at Willow Creek North Shore, 2200 Shermer Road, Glenview.

I am unable to walk or run. Can I still be a part of helping refugee kids?

Yes! Your gift today will give newly resettled refugee kids and their families will receive a warm welcome and essential supplies. In addition, refugee kids are paired with trained volunteers who provide academic support and encouragement that helps them in school. Give now.

How much does it cost to participate?

Registration is $40 for everyone age 13 and up. Kids 12 and under are free! Proceeds support the educational, developmental, and practical needs of refugee kids and their families across Chicagoland.

Is there a deadline to register? 

Register by Monday, September 5, to guarantee your t-shirt size. Registrations received after September 5 will still receive a shirt and bib; however, we cannot guarantee sizes.

What will I receive with my registration?

All participants will receive a Run/Walk for Refugee Kids race shirt and bib, goody bags, and tasty snacks at the event, and kids will receive prizes in the Fun Dash!

In appreciation for helping refugee kids:

• Raise $500: Receive a refugee-crafted artisan gift.
• Raise $1,000: Receive a travel mug and a gift of specialty coffee from a refugee-owned business.
• Raise $5,000: Enjoy dinner for your group of up to 6 at a refugee-owned restaurant hosted by an Exodus staff member.

Are there prizes for top finishers?

Yes – NEW this year, we have prizes for top male and female finishers!

• 1st place $100 FleetFeet voucher
• 2nd $50 voucher
• 3rd $25 voucher

How can I spread the word about refugee kids and this year’s Run/Walk?

Whether you’re participating in person or virtually, be sure to snap a photo of yourself wearing your race gear. Share it on social media with the hashtag #RefugeeKids5K and enjoy knowing you’ve made a tremendous difference for refugee kids!

Is this a family friendly event?

It sure is! Walk or run with your kids, your grandparents, your friends—everyone. Register your whole family—each registrant will receive a bib and race shirt. Kids 12 and under are free and can win prizes in the Kids Fun Dash!

Do I participate by myself or with others? Can I create a team?

Yes, we encourage you to create a team to run/walk with and to raise support for refugee kids. Your team could be your family, your church small group, your co-workers, or others. 

We encourage teams to set a fundraising goal and work together toward this goal. Each individual will still have their own fundraising page. However, working together to meet a team goal can make fundraising easier and more fun.

I have more questions. How can I get answers? 

We’re happy to help you. Contact info@exodusworldservice.org or call us at 630.307.1400, ext. 0.