Empowering the Youth | Miles that Matter
Museum tours in Tokyo to the American Tobacco Trail in Durham. On the ice or on the soccer field. Casual dog walks to competitive races. We're thrilled about our 900+ mile contribution (966.42 miles to be exact) to Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF) Race Around the World for Education! This is W5’s second year supporting the MREF in their efforts to give children access to quality education worldwide.
Marketing Research Education Foundation (MREF) is the philanthropic arm of the MR industry. The foundation uses financial and human resources to provide tools to give children access to a quality education. MREF funds projects that provide some of the most marginalized children in the world with access to high-quality education, including arts and after-school care.
These researchers from around the world are making a positive impact on behalf of our industry. To date the MREF has donated $700,000+ to organizations throughout North America, Haiti, Europe, and Africa, making a difference in the lives of thousands of children and their families.
Each year, MREF select cause-worthy beneficiaries to receive the funds generated by Race Around the World for Education. Congratulations to the 2024 beneficiaries:
Baal Dan Charities - Baal Dan Charities USA is a public volunteer-based charity dedicated to providing grants supporting children in need (mostly orphans, street children, those with special needs) in developing countries. To date, the charity has provided grants for food, supplies, and other aid to over 12,000 children in 12 countries. Grants have included building two schools, wells, latrines, and feeding over 1,000 children every day. To learn more visit baaldan.com
Start Lighthouse - Founded in Bronx, NY, Start Lighthouse is dedicated to advancing childhood literacy through a social justice lens. Childhood illiteracy is an everyone, everywhere problem. This is especially the case in the Bronx, where 70% of students do not read proficiently. The biggest barrier to literacy is the lack of access to books. Start Lighthouse addresses the literacy crisis with compelling, rewarding reading programs. Start Lighthouse rehabilitates abandoned libraries at partner public schools, establishing permanent homes for its programming and reviving unused library spaces across the Bronx.
Urban Sprouts Child Development Center - Urban Sprouts is a joyful, encouraging, and diverse educational community that honors and empowers every aspect of children’s learning. They are dedicated to providing your child with a nurturing environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning. We cultivate curiosity and imagination in every one of the children entrusted to our care. The program is designed to meet the intellectual and emotional needs of children, working closely with parents to connect the home environment with the care environment.
Don’t wait, there is still time to donate! You have until Wednesday, June 5 to support the 2024 goal of raising $100,000. Donate here and be sure to include this event in your 2025 sponsorship plans. We’ll be back at it next year and hope you will, too!