Hope Run 29K: Running With Purpose

Talking to Jacky Turano about The Jeremiah Project – the organisation she founded to care for Sydney’s homeless community – it’s clear that this is a movement of compassion.

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Jacky and run ‘mascot’ Jesse Gerber joined Hope Mornings’ Ben McEachen to chat about The Jeremiah Project’s annual Hope Run, a 29-kilometre trek from Parramatta to Vineyard on May 31st, raising awareness and funds for the project.

Jesse, who completed the run last year and is now its mascot, said the run is about more than fitness.

“A lot of people don’t like running, but they like supporting people that do,” he said.

“The Jeremiah Project can be a vehicle for that.”

Jacky also participates in the run each year, but not for the love of it.

“They persevere every day… getting to the finish line is the greatest achievement—it reminds me of their daily struggle,” Jacky said of Hope Run.

“I’m only a runner just before the race,” she laughed.

“It’s absolutely painful, but I think it’s good to feel the pain a homeless person does.

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“They persevere every day… getting to the finish line is the greatest achievement—it reminds me of their daily struggle.”

Businesses are also getting involved.

“It’s a great exposure for your business to get behind community,” Jacky said.

And the impact goes far beyond the finish line.

Visit thejeremiahproject.com for more information.

Jacky recalls a man from Parramatta who completed the run barefoot.

“He had blisters on his feet but refused to get on the first aid bus,” she said.

“Everyone was clapping for him at the finish line — it was just a beautiful moment.”

Jacky launched The Jeremiah Project in 2019 after her family hit a storm of grief.

“I pretty much almost hit rock bottom,” she said.

“We found God in that season, and He put this on my heart.”

Hope Run is a 29-kilometre trek from Parramatta to Vineyard on May 31st, raising awareness and funds to help support Sydney’s homeless community.

What began with handing out bags to people in Windsor has grown into a city-wide ministry feeding and supporting those in need across Sydney.

“We love people coming to our table,” Jacky said of The Jeremiah Project.

“Whether you’re homeless, lonely, poor—we bring everyone to our table.”

Visit thejeremiahproject.com for more information.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Featured image: Photo by CanvaPro