2nd Philippine Red Cross Million Volunteer Run this Feb 10
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is preparing another "sea of red" this Sunday, February 10, for the 2nd Red Cross Million Volunteer Run (MVR) which will be held simultaneously in Metro Manila and key Philippine cities for the benefit of Volunteers 143 chapters in the country.
Volunteerism and the central role of volunteers have been brought to the fore in the last decade all over the world on account of natural and man made disasters. It is no longer the preserve of those with time and resources in their hands; volunteerism is fast becoming a personal and universal life ethic being inspired by the increasing frequency of disasters hitting the country as well as other parts of the world.
Richard Gordon, PRC chairman, said in a statement that the Red Cross Million Volunteer Run is a salute to all volunteers on whom lives depend especially in times of disasters and other emergencies. He added that now more than ever, the Philippines must be vigilant in the face of what he described as “mass-casualty events” affecting the country nearly every year by drafting more volunteers and training them on disaster-response skills.
The MVR hopes to generate greater awareness of the aspects of volunteerism aschampioned by the PRC, namely, disaster preparedness and response, health and welfare, and voluntary blood donation. It also seeks to instill the mission’s sense of urgency in the public.“We want to tell the world that disaster-prone Philippines has millions of volunteers ready to cope with and mitigate the risk of disasters—and save lives as a nation,” Gordon added.
As in the first MVR, the PRC will mobilize its Red Cross 143 volunteers—the organization’s flagship volunteer program that recruits and trains a minimum of 44 volunteers in every barangay, comprising 1 team leader and 43 members—that serve as the humanitarian arm on the ground especially during disasters.
The February 10, 2013, Red Cross MVR is open to all ages and will feature 3-K and 5-k courses, starting from Aliw Theater and the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay, respectively, at 7 a.m. The runners, to be led by Gordon, will finish at the Quirino Grandstand.
Proceeds from the MVR will go to the Red Cross Volunteers 143 chapters.
On December 4, 2011, the Philippine Red Cross MVR achieved a milestone, with around 350,000 volunteers in Metro Manila alone forming a “Sea of Red” as they emerged from three starting points on Roxas Boulevard, Buendia in Makati City, and Coastal Road in Pasay, and finished at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. It was the PRC’s biggest running event in its 64 years of humanitarian service.
The PRC, together with its valued private and public partners, is looking at staging the MVR every year to deepen public awareness of the PRC volunteer movement. Nothing is timelier, too, in light of bigger and more daunting disasters the Philippines might expect in years ahead that would pose a greater humanitarian challenge to the PRC and the Philippine government.
“We will yet forge an aspect of our national identity as that of belonging to the foremost volunteer country in the world,” Gordon said.
Million Volunteer Run Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Million Volunteer Run 2?
The Million Volunteer Run is a fruit of a successful first-ever Million Volunteer Run last December 2011. The run was staged simultaneously in 78 cities of the Philippines with a nationwide total of over 400,000 participating runners. With the incredible impact it has created in the recruitment of volunteers for the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), we have now declared it an annual event, thus, the Million Volunteer 2 will take place on February 10, 2013.
2. What is the goal of the run?
Our goal is to train all our volunteers as humanitarian soldiers when disaster strikes. In line with this effort to build the nation's capacity to cope with life-threatening emergencies, the funds will be raised for the Red Cross 143 Volunteers Training Program on disaster management, equipping the Filipino communities with life-saving tools. The Philippine Red Cross is completing its extensive network of one million volunteers in order to deliver our services effectively and successfully through this run.
Our vision is to make the MVR2 the largest event of its kind in the world, thus demonstrating that the Philippines leads in championing the spirit of volunteerism. We wish to show that the country is deeply committed to the fundamental principle of the Red Cross: the principle of mobilizing humanitarian action as a means of saving lives. In calling the event “Run To Save Lives”, we are not being hyperbolic, but emphasizing what Red Cross volunteers actually do every day.
3. What is Red Cross 143?
Red Cross 143 or Red Cross “I Love You” is a flagship volunteer program of the Philippine Red Cross that teaches people to look after and care for their respective community. Red Cross 143 ensures every community in the country to be prepared and responsive in case of emergency. This concept aims to have 44 volunteers --- 1 leader and 43 members, in every barangay trained
4. What is the route for the run in Metro Manila?
For Metro Manila, starting point for 3K will be at CCP (in front of Aliw Theater), 5K will be at Global Gutz (Jose Diokno Street near World Trade Center). Finishing points for both categories will be at Quirino Grandstand. Assembly time will be at 5:00 AM. Gun start will promptly be at 5:30 AM for 3K and 6:00 AM for 5K.
5. How to register for the Million Volunteer Run?
a. You may register in more than 100 Red Cross Chapters nationwide and partner schools and establishments.
b. Participants 17 years old and below must secure signed Parental Consent. Waiver Form must be signed to qualify for registration.
6. How much is the registration fee and what are the inclusions?
a. Registration fee for each runner is P200.00 with a discounted rate for students at P100. Each registered runner will receive an official Million Volunteer Run whistle. Payments will be accepted at any Red Cross chapter and other accredited registration outlets nationwide.
b. Visit run.redcross.org.ph for online registration
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