In February 2025 Jack Keeys and Amy Strang were the first New Zealanders to compete in the Sahara Marathon, a solidarity race for refugee children in Western Sahara.

As part of this event, they raised funds for a number of charities, including $750 for the Refugee Family Reunification Trust. Other charities supported were for refugees with special needs, and a project helping war orphans restore a recently flooded refugee camp. Jack and Amy funded all their own costs.

This epic adventure included running between four refugee camps, across the desert and traversing sand-dunes. This is the 15th year of the event, which includes living with a refugee family in their tent for a week, sharing stories, and supporting local projects.

It was such an incredible experience that they are hoping to go back again next year! Jack and Amy are very proud to have doubled their fundraising goals and also to have helped so many deserving charities working with refugees.