Anne Curtis is all set to run 21 kilometers for a good cause: to raise awareness and funds for UNICEF’s ‘1,000 Days of Life’ campaign, which will benefit underprivileged Filipino children.
The first 1,000 days of life is a critical time. They are the foundation that shapes a child’s future health, happiness, growth and development. This period dictates who a child will become and to what extent they can reach their fullest potential.
The Philippines is one of the three countries in the Asia Pacific region with the most number of malnourished children. “At least 3.4 million Filipino children are stunted. Undernutrition accounts for over half of the 95 daily under-five child deaths. The ‘1,000 Days’ campaign will focus on much needed health and nutrition support in the critical first thousand days of the life of a child,” said UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander.
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Anne Curtis, UNICEF’s Celebrity Advocate, is running her first half marathon at the upcoming Heroes for Children Run on October 25 (Sunday) at SM Mall of Asia.
Since she was named UNICEF’s Celebrity Advocate in March this year, Anne has been seriously performing her role. She recently completed a two-day visit to Typhoon Yolanda-affected areas in Tacloban, where she said she was moved by what she saw. Thus, her resolve to help Filipino children prompted her to raise more fund.
Heroes for Children Run is her first major fundraising initiative for UNICEF. In her own words, she said: “kinareer ko ang preparation” [she was very hands-on in the preparation]. “I wanted to make sure that everything is in order and of course, to lower the costs, so we can donate more money for the children.” Anne said.
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Anne was involved in every part of the organization and preparation of Heroes for Children Run, even in the smallest details such as choosing the supplier of the race singlet (which she is holding on the photo)
Anne’s showbiz friends may just surprise runners come race day. According to her, she has invited Karylle, Kim Atienza, Isabelle Daza to name a few. All of whom are runners and triathletes. She does not see herself doing a triathlon though like her friends and boyfriend, Erwan Heussaff. Prior to her 21K bid at Heroes for Children Run, the longest distance category Anne has ran was 16K.
“UNICEF greatly appreciates Anne’s initiative to raise funds to support the critical needs of young children’s health and well-being. She is personally leading this event and has mobilized her own networks and resources to make it happen,” said UNICEF Country Representative Lotta Sylwander.
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Celebrity Advocate Anne Curtis with UNICEF Philippines Representative Lotta Sylwander at the contract signing and press launch of the #HeroesforChildrenRun, a benefit run for UNICEF Philippines.
As a UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children, Anne focuses on promoting Early Childhood Care & Development. She also helps in mobilizing support and resources for the most vulnerable children and families – those living in abject poverty, are affected by violence, abuse, exploitation, and particularly in emergency and conflict situations.
UNICEF is impressed that however busy Anne is, she finds time to get involved in the entire process. “You can see in her whole being that she wants to help and that she wants to be part of it. She is very influential and can help us get our message through all layers of people that we would not have reached,” said Sylwander.
Heroes for Children Run will have four race categories: 500m dash for kids, 5K, 10K and 21K for adult participants. Gun start is as follows:
For 21K, it is at 4:00AM
For 10K, at 5:00AM
For 5K, at 5:10AM
For 500M, at 7:00AM
Online Registration at Takbo.ph is open until October 11, 2015. In-store registration will run until October 21, 2015 at the following Chris Sports outlets: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM City BF Paranaque, Glorietta, and Market! Market!
UNICEF
758-1000
https://www.unicef.ph
