With Christmas dinners barely digested and New Year’s resolutions still fresh in the mind, it’s time to don tracksuits, bug your mates for sponsorship and get signed-up for as many charity sporting events as possible.
February 18 and 19 will mark the fifth and possibly final year of the Kep Trio Sporting and Fundraising Event, which involves a 10km bike ride and a half- marathon, 10km run/walk and 3km run/walk .
Standing to benefit is the Hand in Hand project run by Bridges Across Borders Cambodia. Over the last five years, funds raised have helped to support integrated, sustainable development initiatives aimed at addressing issues such as child education and nutrition, health and sanitation, food and water security, housing and community infrastructure, and employment opportunities and livelihoods.
Since 2008, Kep Trio events have raised more than $150,000 for the project, and delivered 300 new and locally sourced bicycles for Chamcar Bei residents to travel to school or work.
A long list of resorts and guesthouses have offered to donate 20% of their room fees to Kep Trio guests and supporters on the night of February 18. For more details, and to register to take part and download sponsorship forms, visit the event’s official website.
Alternatively, drop into the BABC office at #55 Street 101, Boeung Trabek, Phnom Penh. Registration costs $50 for running events, $85 for the bike event and $110 for both. Also on the sporting radar this month is the Phnom Penh Tower Charity Fun Run, which is slated for January 29 at 4pm. The event is billed as a brisk jog up and down the stairs, of which there are no shortages, at Phnom Penh Tower.
The event is being staged to support Child Helpline Cambodia (call 1280 toll free), which receives more than 3,000 calls every month. Deadline for entries is January 22. For registration forms and other details, email infochc [at] childfund [dot] org [dot] kh.
So, get your runners on, work off the festive beer belly and help to make a difference.