RICHMOND HILL, ON, May 8, 2017 /CNW/ - This weekend hundreds of runners and walkers, of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, braved the dreary weather to participate in World Vision's Global 6K for Water. The goal of the event was to raise awareness and funds for water projects around the world. With music booming, several VIP's in the crowd and whole families gathering together, you couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air. This excitement was well earned, as over 30,000 children will now have access to clean water thanks to those helped make the Global 6K a success.
Participants gathered at Richmond Green Sports Centre to hear several inspiring speeches before taking off for a two-lap course. During the last leg of their race, participants were encouraged to carry a jerry can; representing how some people in developing countries gather water. When they crossed the finish line Olympian Tara Van Beilen handed out medals shaped as jerry cans for the children, and others had the opportunity to sponsor the child shown on their race bib.
With well over double the participants and funds raised from the previous year, it would be an understatement to say the event was a success. Next year is sure to be something you won't want to miss.
Attendance/Guest List:
Richmond Hill Mayor – Dave Barrow
Richmond Hill Counsellor – Castro Liu
Vaughn Counsellor – Sandra Yeung
York Region School Trustees – Billy Pang (Unionville), Allan Tam (Stoufville)
Olympic Gold Medalist – Tera Van Beilen to hand out finishing medals
World Vision
Hundreds of participants from the GTA belonging to five local churches
Quotes:
"To the Parents: Let your children run free with the things that come to their heart... It's a fire in them, and if you let that flame continue you will do what Alex always thought. It's with each individual the difference is made" – Pat Foto, mother of Alex Foto, World Vision Canada Youth Ambassador
"Children normally have to skip school to get water for their families and the water they usually get is shared and contaminated with animals and the water is hard to carry" – Ryan Chan, 8 years old (6K Participant)
"We're global now. We're not in Richmond Hill, we're not in Ontario because anything that happens around the world impacts us here today" – Mayor Dave Barrow (Mayor of Richmond Hill)
Quick Facts:
Media Resources
Photo's of the Event: Here
Facebook Video of the Event: Here
More Information:
Web Links: www.worldvision6k.ca
Social Media: #6KForWater, @WorldVisionCan
World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
SOURCE World Vision Canada
For interviews contact: Jenn Miller - 905-565-6200 x 3598 or [email protected]
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