3/7/03

SAFE HARBOR HOSTING 1-MILE 'BRING-A-BUDDY' FUN RUN/WALK

AUBURN -- Safe Harbor, a sexual assault assistance program at Auburn University, will host a one-mile "Bring-a-Buddy" fun run/walk on March 15 to raise awareness of the issue of sexual assault and to promote safe exercise habits.

Participants are encouraged to show their support by walking or running with a buddy, says coordinator Shannon Duke.

The event will be co-hosted by the Lee County Humane Society in conjunction with the AU Student Government Association's "Big Event," a day of community service projects held on campus and throughout Auburn.

The walk/run is open to all members of the university and community and their dogs. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the walk/run starting at 9 a.m.

There is no entry fee and free T-shirts will be given to the first 150 participants. Lee County Humane Society volunteers will be bringing animals that are available for adoption to participate in the run/walk.

The walk will begin at Graves Amphitheatre and continue on a one-mile course around campus. Those interested in pre-registering may email their name and phone number to Safe Harbor Fun Run Coordinator, Shannon Duke at: dukesha@auburn.edu.

Safe Harbor is a grant-funded program housed on the AU campus in the Division of Student Affairs. It provides free services to female students who have been victims of sexual assault, including counseling, advocacy and follow-up.

Safe Harbor's goal is to reduce violence against women on campus by increasing awareness through educational programs on such issues as date rape, dating violence, stranger rape, sexual harassment and other forms of sexual assault.

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CONTACT: Duke, 334/844-6334.