“UNICEF Charity Run 2012” opens for public entry In aim to raise HK$9 million in achieving ZERO HIV/AIDS transmission
2012-07-30
HONG KONG, 30 July 2012 — Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) announced at a press conference held today at Times Square that its flagship annual fundraising event – the “UNICEF Charity Run 2012” will be held at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay on 25 November 2012 (Sunday). Public enrollment to the three races, namely, Half Marathon, 10km Run and 3km Fun Run is now open. All donation raised will be used to support UNICEF’s goal in achieving Zero HIV/AIDS transmission from mothers to children in its Global Campaign.
 |
 |
 |
Speaking at today’s press conference at Times Square, Chairman of UNICEF HK Judy Chen said: “this year, the Half Marathon and 10km Run will continue to be held. In response to overwhelming support from the community, we have increased the enrollment quota of the 3km Family Fun Run. More, a 3km Leadership Challenge (by invitation only) is introduced to arouse greater awareness in corporate social responsibilities among the business communities. We are dedicated to combat HIV/AIDS transmission between mothers and children, and we believe Zero AIDS can be achieved with the joint efforts of every individual.” She continued, “We are very grateful to our sponsors and partners for the continued generosity they have shown over the past years. With the promising support from the public, we are expecting 13,200 runners will participate this year and generate over HK$9 million in donations to the cause.” At today’s press conference, the UNICEF HK Ambassadors, Ms. Gigi Leung and Mr. Louis Koo presented souvenirs to representatives of sponsors and supporting organisations to acknowledge their generous contributions. They also appealed for public support to the event. |
| Ms Dorophy Tang, renowned product designer and illustrator of the town, also takes part in the UNICEF Charity Run 2012 by designing the runner’s t-shirt, of which the creative is unique and inspiring to demonstrate the theme – Let’s run for Zero HIV/AIDS. Babies on the designed t-shirt representing all walks of life, who wearing the running uniform with the symbolic against AIDS’ red ribbon. Altogether, we run for the generation without HIV/AIDS. It is estimated that more than 1,000 babies continue to be born with HIV every day, implying that every 1.4 minute an infant is infected by the virus. They contracted the deadly virus from their own mother. Ironically, the transmission of HIV from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery or eastfeeding is almost entirely preventable. If a mother is diagnosed in time as infected with HIV, and receives the right life-saving healthcare services and medical treatments, we can almost certainly ensure that her baby will be born free of the virus. There are 390,000 children in low and middle income countries are still newly infected with HIV every year. UNICEF aims to reduce the number by 90% by 2015. |
 |
 |
UNICEF Charity Run has been successfully organised for 6 consecutive years. Co-organised by Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, it is not only the flagship annual fundraising event for UNICEF HK, but also the second largest distance running event in Hong Kong. With the support of over 45,000 runners and donors’ generous contributions, the UNICEF Charity Run has raised more than HK$36.5 million since 2006. The event will again be held at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Sunny Bay where the courses are level and scenic. It encompasses scenic spots in Hong Kong including the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Inspiration Lake, and costal area alongside Airport Express station and Sunny Bay. |