For the third year, child-focused humanitarian organization World Vision held its biggest fundraising event, ‘World Vision Run 2014: Run for Children’ on June 22, at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. With an overwhelming turnout of 5,400 runners, the event became the most-attended in the run’s history.
Now an annual event, World Vision Run gathers different stakeholders and supporters in raising funds to help 8,000 children through its Child Sponsorship program. Participants ran the 500m, 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k categories.
The event was well-supported by corporate and media partners, and World Vision celebrity-advocates, namely Christian Bautista, Marc Nelson, Tippy dos Santos, Jasmine Curtis, Sam Concepcion, and Aljur Abrenica.
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard also participated, led by their spokesperson Cdr. Armand Balilo, a staunch supporter of World Vision, being a former sponsored child, and now a child sponsor himself.
Six winners were chosen from each category – three for male, and three for female. The winners were awarded with gift prizes from the event sponsors.
Many ‘firsts’
In order to make the event even more meaningful and exciting for the participants, the organizers included several new features to the already fun-filled run.
In keeping with the family-oriented theme, the organizers included a 500-meter dash category for children up to 12 years old. The children were joined by their parents and guardians and received generous goodie bags from event partner, Toys ‘R Us.
Another delightful addition to this year’s run was a ‘Zumbathon’ (Zumba marathon). Organizers included this event as fitness experts recommend Zumba to be a good complement to running.
Meanwhile, 3k runner Arnel delos Santos chose the event as the perfect venue to propose to girlfriend Joyce Camantigue.
Friends of the couple lined up at the finish line wearing t-shirts that spelled out J-O-Y-C-E, and holding a streamer that read, “Will you marry ME?”Still catching her breath from finishing the race, Joyce said “Yes!” eliciting cheers from their fellow runners.
Advocacy Run
As an advocacy organization upholding the rights of children, World Vision made sure to include activities that will raise awareness on important issues. In the Advocacy Booth, race finishers posed with advocacy "fun" signs, which present World Vision's advocacies on various child rights issues, with statements such as “No to child labor!” and “Ang batang laging handa, ligtas sa akuna," highlighting the importance of disaster preparedness among children and the youth.
Also a strong defender of the Milk Code and an advocate of breastfeeding, World Vision likewise set up a breastfeeding station encouraging mothers to nurse their infants. A gallery of best breastfeeding practices and tips was also displayed to educate on the many benefits of breastmilk.
For the young participants of the run, a Child Friendly Space (CFS) was set up where children were provided a safe place to play and learn while they waited for their run to start. Here, the children watched episodes of Superbook, featuring Bible stories and learned about their rights through games and other fun activities.
For more than 55 years, World Vision has given voice to the most vulnerable children in the Philippines through influencing policies that protect children's well-being and educating the public about human and child rights.
World Vision Run 2014 was co-presented by Tupperware Brands and organized by RunRio, Inc.
Other sponsors include: Toby’s Sports, Runnr, Brooks, Timex, Telic, New Zealand Natural, Hapee Toothpaste, Gatorade, Bonifacio Global City, Appebon Kid, Kipling, Mondelez International, Chef Tony’s, Nizoral Cream, Robinson’s Supermarket, Sony, Sprinto, Unisilver, Wheatgrass C.A.N. International, Inc., Yellow Cab Pizza Co., Toys ‘R Us, Vitamax C, Glutamax, Nice Day Coffee, Ysa Botanicals, Adarna House, Adidas Body Care, Booster-C, Grab Taxi, Playground Premium Outlet, Saucony, Virginia Hotdogs, Centrum and Zing Rewards.
Official media partners are Manila Bulletin, Business World, Multisport Magazine, Runner’s World, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Celebrity Mom, Working Mom, Solar News Channel, CBN Asia, DZAS, Pinoy Fitness, ClickTheCity.com, PinoyExchange.com, NYXSYS Philippines, Media Pool and We run for Good Health.
For more information about World Vision, visit www.worldvision.org.ph.
