GK1World Singapore holds GK FUN RUN 2013: RUN TO BUILD |
[Date Created: December 1, 2013]
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by Claire Pascua
On 24th November 2013, GK Singapore held its first ever GK FUN RUN. The inaugural event was entitled RUN TO BUILD as proceeds from the run was meant to support GK Singapore’s community building programs, and more importantly, build the Gawad Kalinga movement in Singapore.
The GK Fun Run 2013: Run to Build event heads and organizers
However, two weeks before race day, Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) struck, leaving in its wake massive destruction in provinces in Visayas Philippines. In response to the call of GK Operation Walang Iwanan, the Fun Run team decided to re-channel part of the proceeds from the run to support the relief and rebuilding efforts. The public response was overwhelming. In the span of one week, both runner and volunteer sign-ups doubled in number – a testament to the “Walang Iwanan” spirit, as people just wanted to help in whatever way they can.
GK Fun Run participants
Over 800 runners of different nationalities came together on that bright Sunday morning in Bedok Reservoir Park to rally behind the cause. Runners started coming in at 6 AM with their families and friends, and volunteer hosts Andy and Icee got them ready with some warm-up exercises and stretching.
After a short address by GK Singapore General Manager Claire Pascua thanking the participants for their support and encouraging them to run in honor of the typhoon victims, the runners were off at 7 AM.
The first finishers started coming in around 40 minutes later, and the festivities continued until 9 AM.
The success of the event has gone beyond the race day itself. In the days following the event, GK Singapore received offers to help raise funds for typhoon relief & rebuild efforts and to volunteer for future events, not only from the participants themselves but also from their friends and families who learned about GK through the Fun Run.
The GK Fun Run 2013: Run to Build volunteers
With this kind of response received, the team is now inspired to definitely make GK Fun Run an annual event to continue to inspire GK advocates in Singapore to “Run to Build” – to build hope, to build the GK movement, and to re-build lives.
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Gawad Kalinga is not a charity, rather, it's an organization that aims to end poverty by building sustainable communities. GK Singapore shares the vision of Gawad Kalinga for a poverty-free world with sustainable communities where people live with dignity and in harmony. To know more about GK Singapore, please visit the website HERE. Together with GK Singapore and our international network of heroes and nation builders, join us as we rebuild Visayas in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda. Click HERE to find out how or email info@gk1world.com.