Hong Leong Foundation Charity Run Is Back - BM

Hong Leong Foundation Charity Run, the Run known for pledging RM1 million to charities nationwide every year is holding its run for the 6th time on Sunday, 10 April 2005.

This worthwhile national calendar event will be targeting more than 100,000 runners at 23 major town centers i.e. Kuala Lumpur, Shah Alam, Ipoh, Sitiawan, Taiping, Melaka, Muar, Penang, Sungai Petani, Alor Setar, Kuantan, Mentakab, Seremban, Port Dickson, Johor Bahru, Kluang, Batu Pahat, Pontian, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Kuching, Miri and Sibu. With the convenience of 23 run venues nationwide, it would undoubtedly make it easier for participants to take part at a venue nearest and most convenient to them.

“Hong Leong Foundation Charity Run is very unique and by far, one of its kind in Malaysia. We are not raising funds from the public but a pledge of RM1 million for the needy. All we require is the public's participation in the Run and their presence to help make this a fun one and at the same time create public awareness on the importance of charity," said Ms. Yvonne Chia, Chairperson of the Central Organising Committee. This yearly event is fun and meaningful, and it has benefited over 140 charity organizations throughout Malaysia, from orphanages to old folks homes. Since its inception in year 2000, there were only 40,000 participants. Last year we have more than 90,000 participants. From 11 locations in 2000, the Run venues have grown to 23 throughout Malaysia. With the steady increase of support from the general public, the organizing committee will also work at getting more partakers for this year. “We appeal to the public to help us achieve our main objective of creating awareness and cultivating a caring culture. Come join us by participating and spreading this noble message across to friends and loved ones. Your presence and participation will show that you care for your local needy folks,” added Chia.

There will be two categories for the Run - the men's and the women's categories. Prizes will be given for the top 20 runners in both categories in each of the run venue. To register, participants need to only pay a token fee of RM10 and will in return receive a collar t-shirt, number tag, drinks, sponsored goodies and a chance to win lucky draw prizes.

To-date, more than 146 charity organisations have benefited from this worthy event. For this year, the charity focus is Youth & Welfare. Hong Leong Foundation will contribute RM200,000 to National Fitness Council, which is the collaborative work of 4 government agencies, namely the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Department of Unity and National Integration. The NFC’s aim is to promote and encourage healthy living and unity among the people, especially the youth, augurs well with the Foundation’s objectives. . We encourage and support the NFC in its programs which promote sports and fitness as a means towards a better life all round. The rest of the RM800,000 will be distributed to selected welfare homes in the 23 locations where our run will be held. The Foundation is finalizing the charity recipients and will make the announcement of the other charity recipients in due course. YB Datuk Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Youth & Sports is the Guest of Honour present during the press conference. The National Fitness Council will be coming in to show their support by organizing nutritional talks and fitness and health related activities for the participants prior to the run . The Hong Leong Foundation is a charity body set up by the Hong Leong Group Malaysia. In addition to the charity run, other projects undertaken by the Foundation include the annual Student Assistance Programme where the Foundation sponsors less fortunate school children in terms of uniforms, books including examination and school fees subsidies as well as an annual Scholarship Award Programme for local undergraduate studies and diploma courses. For more information about the Charity Run and registration forms, please call 03-7650 1734 or visit your nearest Hong Leong Assurance or Hong Leong Bank branches nationwide or visit www.hongleong.com.my

Come join us, Be Involved - Run for Charity.

Press Release - 2/4/2005