Thanks a million for taking the time to join my fundraising page. I really really appreciate it!

What's the deal Igor?
I am running my first marathon in New York City on November 3rd for the benefit of the Our Kids Foundation. Coming out of a major knee surgery just 10 Months ago, this is a challenge I am ready to take and you can follow me through my Instagram where I will post my progress.
Ups and Downs, no matter, we will do it! 

What's your motivation & why Bosnia & Herzegovina?
Having been born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I have always looked for ways to give back to the community. Life in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina is not easy, with fragmented communities and uneasy government operating within an economically challenging environment. There is currently more than 40% unemployment and as many as 50% of people living below the official poverty line. 

Many families' lives reflect this fragmentation and battle with poverty. Support for these families is thin. For some, institutional care for their children becomes the only option for survival, especially for disabled children and children with special needs. 

So what's this foundation Igor?
Our Kids Foundation is a UK registered charity that runs long term projects to improve the lives and future well-being of children and young adults without parental care in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They work within the themes of health, poverty, education and employment. Often, but not exclusively, the beneficiaries of our projects are children living in institutional care and those with disabilities.

Many of the children they help have no family support and have lived in orphanages most of their lives. At the age of 18 they are compelled to leave state care and receive almost no ongoing support for their complex physical and mental health needs. Our Kids Foundation is the charity that is run by volunteer professionals so all funds raised go directly to our beneficiaries. For more information about Our Kids Foundation please visit: http://www.ourkidsfoundation.org/

Ok, ok, Igor. What about a good example of a project so I can see where my money is going?

I visited one of the many projects of Our Kids Foundation in Bosnia & Herzegovina. I was greeted by Sunčica Kragulj, the manager of the project here and we met in a house close to the city center where several kids reside and also use as a base to perform various parts of the program. She told me how valuable the support is that is given to the organization. These are mostly young adults without parental care and with some kind of mental disability that would have left them without much chance if it were not for the project here to help them function and integrate in the society. These young adults usually come from the local orphanage, which is one of the sites that the charity cooperates with, helping to provide opportunity and care. Sunčica told me in essence, the young adults here are being guided into living a normal life, finding a job and interacting with people with the goal that they become independent. One of the projects implemented is a local second hand shop called Friends. The store is ran by Our Kids foundation and employs these young adults, Albina, Dzana, Zejna and Aida who are selling clothes, souvenirs and other items. The money that is raised there pays their salaries and also contributes back to the foundation with the money earned. I will take some time tomorrow with Albina, Dzana, Zejna and Aida to select a few items/ pieces of clothing and sell it for the benefit of the fundraising event. Keep an eye out for these items on my instagram/ facebook. My aim is to raise as much as possible, appreciate everyone's support so far. 25% of the goal is already met thanks to your generous donations. I would be grateful to anyone who is able and willing to donate and get me around the NYC Marathon on November the 3rd.

Any further thoughts?
My goal is to make this a success and will be sharing video's and posts on my Instagram along the way. Feel free to interact, ask me questions and make suggestions. I love challenges! Let's see how creative we can get to make this a success. 

Here's a link: https://www.instagram.com/igor.kostic.11/?hl=en  #runwithigor 

Ok, I'm sold, where do I make a donation?

Right here on JustGiving. It is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Alternatively you can donate offline as well or through A direct bank transfer. Just send me a note and I will provide the details.

Venmo: @IgorKostic

Friends, Thank you for your support, let's make a change together.

Igor Kostic