(VNF) – Over 7,000 runners, including Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, Deborah Paul; Vice Minister of Health Nguyen Viet Tien, World Champion Gymnast Le Thanh Tung on Sunday (December 2) had a memorable morning at Reunification Park in an inspiring event: the Hanoi Run for Children (HRC) 2018.

Representative of Manulife presents the symbolic cheque of cash donation to VCFA General Secretary Nguyen Thi Thu Giang.

As annual charitable sport event, every year, HRC attracted the participation of thousands of people, who joined the field track to raise fund to support disadvantaged children in the fight with cancer and congenital heart diseases.

Speaking about HRC 2018, Vice Minister of Health, President of the Vietnam – Canada Friendship Association (VCFA) Nguyen Viet Tien expressed his delight and pride of continuing to be part of the capital city’s humane event. As a doctor, he spoke highly of HRC's role in promoting a healthy lifestyle in the community.

According to Tien, the increase of participants from different walks of life in the run (government offices, organizations, educational institutions, enterprises, hospitals) has resulted in an increase in the number of needy child patients receiving treatment and surgery. "Hopefully this event will continue become a meeting platform for compassionate people to make positive changes to the community," he noted.

Vice Minister of Health, VCFA President Nguyen Viet Tien (middle) supports HRC 2018.

The year 2018 marks the 45 th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Canada diplomatic relations. As someone who works in people-to-people diplomacy, I am proud that over the last decade the run has been a symbol of the two peoples’ friendship and cooperation. I hope that the Hanoi Run for Children 2018 will continue to be a bridge between Vietnamese and foreign friends, and play a part in Vietnam-Canada tie.

This year, HRC welcomed the participation of Canadian ambassador to Vietnam, Deborah Paul, who just started her tenure in Hanoi just nearly one month ago. Wearing two different hats in the event: organizer and runner, to the Canadian diplomat, HRC is an unforgettable experience.

“Hanoi Run for Children 2018 is an excellent example for the community spirit in helping people who need help. The meeting with young patients, their parents and doctors, nurses, staff in the National Pediatrics Hospital has reminded me that "Every child deserves a happy and healthy life. And I believe that together we can achieve it."

According to Deborah Paul, HRC also plays an important role in strengthening theVietnam – Canada friendship and bring together people sharing the passion for charity and sports..

Canadian Ambassador Deborah Paul supports HRC 2018.

“This is the first time I've had the chance to run with Vietnamese people in the morning. Even though the weather is different from my homeland (quite hot!), I still don't feel tired after completing two rounds of running. I think HRC is an important course to support the healthcare for children, especially disadvantaged ones, so it gives me a lot of energy."

One of HRC 2018 Ambassadors, Miss Humanitarian of the Miss Ao Dai Vietnam World 2017, Le Ngoc Diep said, she has been involving in charitable activities for years, including participating in some projects with Red Cross Society in Vietnam and the non-governmental organization Oxfam in UK while pursuing her Bachelor degree there. Especially, Diep has been a volunteers of HRC for around 10 years, since she was a teenager.

“Two weeks prior to the event, I have joined with other members of the organizing board in a visit to the National Pediatrics Hospital. The meeting with child patients suffering with cancer has reminded me to try my utmost to help relieve the burden pressing on the shoulders of these needy families."

Two ambassadors of HRC 2018, Le Ngoc Diep and Duong Thuy Linh, winners in recent international beauty pageants.

In the morning of December 2, the amount of cash donated to HRC 2018 hit VND 1 billion (~ USD 47,000). According to General Secretary of VCFA, Nguyen Thi Thu Giang, the donation, which tended to rise, was attributed to the revenue gained from selling T-shirt, lucky ticket vouchers and sponsorship of entrepreneurs.

After excluding the logistics cost, 100% of the cash received will be audited by KPMG, and be used to sponsor needy patients, under the monitor and management of VinaCapital Foundation.

HRC came to Vietnam in 2000 with the name Terry Fox Run, aiming to raise public's awareness of cancer and raise fund for research in cancer prevention and treatment. Since 2009 the event has been named HRC. The latest run in 2016 has raised USD billion 1.2 to support underpriviledged child patients of the National Pediatrics Hospital, Hanoi Cardiology Hospital and the Vietnam Heart Beat Foundation.

HRC 2018 was jointly held by the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam, the Vietnam – Canada Friendship Association, Hanoi Union of Friendship Organizations and sponsored by Manulife, VinaCapital, KPMG, Sofitel Metropole,...

*HRC 2018 moments in pictures:

TV host Phan Anh (R) and his family support HRC 2018.

Canadian Ambassador cuts the ribbon to kick start HRC 2018.

Le Thanh Tung, gymnastic World Challenge 2018 gold medalist holds HRC torch and leads the crowd.

Enthusiastic runners

Canadian ambassador in the run.

Cuban Prensa Latina Press representative head office in Vietnam, Alberto Salazar attends the event.

( Phi Yen )