RBC Race For The Kids 2016 – Event Review
From Left: Vivian & Wong with families
Mum Amie with Runner Adiq (front) and his supportive brothers
Editor’s Note
Immediately after completing the 5km charity run, I had a nice chat with the top representatives of the Royal Bank Of Canada (RBC), Mr. Andy Allen, Managing Director, RBC Investor and Treasury Services Malaysia, and Mr. Doug Moore, CEO, RBC Capital Markets Asia and Head of RBC Investor & Treasury Services Asia-Pacific. We had agreed unanimously that their inaugural Race For The Kids in Malaysia had exceeded the expectations and hopes of the donors, the sponsors, the participants, the organiser, and most importantly, the Charity Partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC).
With my media pass, I was fortunate to meet many participants and experience the many planned activities for that morning. For the record, I have penned below my personal highlights of the proceedings which also include my candid photos and live videos. Plus, I have attached below the official press release for your information.
EVERYBODY WINS
The RM200,000 raised to benefit the Selangor And Federal Territory Mentally Handicap Unit in Brickfields had certainly given a big boost to the good people of RMHC and their President, Victor Sim.
The Donors would certainly be pleased to witness how their cumulative generosity is going a long way to benefit the underprivileged.
Seasoned Runner Amelia
Nicholas (2nd from Right) is a RBC staff
The RBC, their staff and their Sponsors should be really proud to have organised such an amazing addition of the global Race For The Kids which was so well received in Malaysia. By more than doubling their initial collection target, and keeping all the 1,500 participants fully entertained, RBC has successfully delivered on its promise to give back to the local community. At the same time, the RBC Team has set a high precedence for future Race For The Kids and continue their longstanding tradition of raising funds for local projects which will positively impact the lives of underprivileged children.
I asked Doug, “What message do you want the participants to take home with them?”
Doug replied, “I hope that all the participants and the families present had fun, and were able to connect with and get to know one another.”
FUN RUN
There were many activities throughout the morning to engage and excite the participants. In the first part, the crowd loosened-up with an invigorating aerobic session which was followed by the actual 2-loops 5km run around Lake Gardens.
Race Director Niithi (Right)
The course was well set-up by the experienced Race Director Niithi and his 21st Century Sports Crew. Honestly, for a simple 5km Fun Run, I was not expecting to find such top quality race management which certainly made the run much more enjoyable. There were many and well-drilled marshals throughout the course to monitor and assist the parents and kids.
Every measure was taken to ensure the safety of the runners, and this was a good call because there were many children and inexperienced runners about.
In fact, this was the first time that I have seen an ambulance driven slowly in Lake Gardens. So, for delivering the full race experience, from the flag-off to the handing-over of Finishers Medal, I give this event a high rating.
PLAYFUL CARNIVAL
After the run, the participants collected their goodie bags and drinks. I met many runners queuing up for the free snacks and refreshments of Nestle Cheerios, Cold Milo, Hot Caramel Popcorn and freshly made Candy Floss.
The kids were having so much fun meeting playful mascots Leo The Lion, Ronald McDonald and some Star Wars characters. There was a specially constructed Bamboo Playhouse for the kids to climb. The kids were in their element, and there were many more fun-filled activities such as some special dancing and singing performances by handicapped children, plus a stage performance by a magician to mesmerise the crowd.
COMMUNITY REACH
On a more serious note, amidst all the fun times, it was heartwarming to see many citizens of all ages and different backgrounds coming together to play together and help the less fortunate. I could not agree more with the sentiments of one satisfied participant, Clarence Ma who declared, “Great event, hope they do it again next year”….
MORE FUN VIDEOS
- The Venue
- Mr. Doug Moore
- Mr. Andy Allen
- Mr. Victor Sim
- Warm-up Routine 1
- Warm-up Routine 2
- The Start Line
- Flag-off
- Full Stride
- By Lake Club 1
- By Lake Club 2
- William’s Chariot
- Crossing The Finish Line
- Breakfast Of Champions
- Cooling Down
- Stage Performers
- My Conclusion
For more cool photos, check-out Happy Runner “RBC Race For The Kids 2016” Album.
**FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE**
From left to right:
Mr. Victor Sim, President, RMHC Malaysia receiving a mock cheque presented by – Mr. Andy Allen, Managing Director, RBC Investor and Treasury Services Malaysia, and Mr. Doug Moore, CEO, RBC Capital Markets Asia and Head of RBC Investor & Treasury Services Asia-Pacific, at the inaugural RBC Race for the Kids Kuala Lumpur 2016
RM 200,000 raised at the first ever RBC Race for the Kids in Kuala Lumpur
Over 1,500 people walked and ran in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia.
Leo the Lion, official mascot of RBC Race for the Kids Kuala Lumpur 2016, taking centre stage along with other eager runners at the starting line.
KUALA LUMPUR, 16 October 2016 – More than 1,500 people walked or jogged through the beautiful Perdana Botanical Garden today in the first ever Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Race for the Kids in Kuala Lumpur in support of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia.
The 5km charity run raised RM 200,000 for RMHC Malaysia to build a Ronald McDonald Sensory Room at two centres in the Klang Valley. The centres nurture the well-being and education of young people with special needs and learning disabilities. The Kuala Lumpur race exceeded its initial fundraising target of RM 90,000, paving the way for RBC and RMHC to double their target and fund an additional room.
“We are thrilled with the response to RBC’s first Race for the Kids in Kuala Lumpur and proud that RBC employees, friends, family and the local community came together to support such an important cause,” said Doug Moore, CEO, RBC Capital Markets Asia and Head of RBC Investor & Treasury Services Asia-Pacific. “RBC has a strong presence in Malaysia and we are delighted to establish RBC Race for the Kids in Kuala Lumpur as part of our global commitment to helping communities prosper.”
RBC established its first office in Malaysia in 2008 and today employs more than 800 people in Cyberjaya and Kuala Lumpur.
Squatting Left: Victor Sim, RMHC
“The support that we received from RBC and the community has been overwhelming,” said Victor Sim, President, RMHC Malaysia. “It was a wonderful event and the funds raised will help children with special needs and learning disabilities develop cognitive skills and build self-confidence in a positive environment.”
RBC Race for the Kids Kuala Lumpur is the latest addition to RBC’s series of 11 charitable runs that support causes in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Increasing in popularity every year, RBC Race for the Kids events have attracted more than 110,000 participants to date, and raised over $CAD 26.5 million for children’s charities around the world. The races are part of RBC’s larger commitment to kids and youth through the RBC Kids Pledge, a five-year, $CAD 100 million promise to improve the well-being of one million kids and youth.
– ENDS –
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is Canada’s largest bank, and one of the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America’s leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management, insurance, investor services and capital markets products and services on a global basis. We have over 80,000 full- and part-time employees who serve more than 16 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 36 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.
RBC helps communities prosper, supporting a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. In 2015, we contributed more than $121 million to causes around the world.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia was established in 1990 as a non- profit organisation and is one of 300 RMHC Chapters worldwide. It aims to positively impact young lives in the areas of Health, Education and Welfare through its four core programs – Ronald McDonald House (RMH), Ronald McDonald Sensory Room (RMSR), Gift of Smile (GOS) and RMHC Scholarship.
**END**
*Disclaimer*
To the best of my knowledge, all of the information provided herein is accurate at the time of publishing and the views expressed are based on my own personal opinions and findings, and they don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Product Manufacturer, Event Organiser or any Third Party unless explicitly specified otherwise.
TV Host and Emcee Lisa Wong (R)
About The Author
Gus is the Founder of Running Toons and a HIIT Fitness Coach. As a freelance WRITER, he has contributed numerous insightful articles to The Star newspaper, Running Malaysia magazine, Cycling Malaysia magazine, Cycling Evolution magazine, Swim Bike Run magazine and more. LIKE Happy Runner for RUNNING UPDATES, Gus Rider for CYCLING NEWS, Gus Ghani for SPORTS INFOTAINMENT and FOLLOW gusghani @IG for LIFESTYLE.
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