PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
MERCY MALAYSIA RAISES OVER RM100,000 FOR ITS SECOND RUN FOR HUMANITARIAN AID
Kuala Lumpur, 1 August 2015: Over 1,200 people, comprising of physical and ‘virtual’ runners, took part in the second #myMERCYrun International Humanitarian Run on Saturday. Co-organized by MERCY Malaysia and Go International Group, this charity run aims to raise awareness for the local and international humanitarian efforts of MERCY Malaysia, a non-profit humanitarian organization. The event successfully raised RM100,000 whereby all proceeds will be channelled to MERCY Malaysia’s Humanitarian Fund, which supports efforts in providing aid to those affected by the Nepal Earthquake and the post-flood response in Kelantan, amongst other things.
Held at Padang Merbok, the #myMERCYrun was flagged off by prominent Malaysian social activist and author, Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, who is also a cause advocate for MERCY Malaysia. Uniting Malaysians across all ages, the #myMERCYrun was divided into three race categories – a 3km fun run, 7km and 10km – in order to cater to runners of various fitness levels.
“We at MERCY Malaysia are truly humbled by the overwhelming support we have received for the #myMERCYrun. As we hear more about disasters and crisis, we believe that it is increasingly important to bring together communities from all walks of life to support the global and local call to humanitarian aid, regardless of backgrounds. The #myMERCYrun is a reflection of this belief and we would like to thank all our partners and supporters who have contributed their time, energy and enthusiasm to a good cause,” said Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia.
The run also saw the participation of fellow cause advocates, including Malaysian media personalities Nadia Heng and Sasha Saidin; Mixed Martial Arts fighter Peter Davis as well as FOX SPORTS TV presenter Ben Ibrahim, who turned up in full force and participated in the 3km fun run category.
“I am honoured to participate in the #myMERCYrun to build awareness and enable the continued efforts of MERCY’s international humanitarian aid. I believe that through the concerted efforts such as the #myMERCYrun, we can drive the support from our fellow Malaysians to not only understand the importance of humanitarian work, but also be a part of a larger network of social activists,” said Ben Ibrahim, FOX Sports TV Presenter.
Understanding the power of social media and its significance in this digital age, MERCY Malaysia launched an online campaign in the lead up to the #myMERCYrun. Known as the #myMERCYrun Plank Challenge, the public were encouraged to take photos or videos of their most creative planks and post them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #PlankForMyMERCYRun, #PlankforMERCYHumanitarianRun and #IPlankU4MyMERCYrun. During the run, runners were also encouraged to participate in a “We-fie” contest with five of their friends at each or any checkpoint within the race.
Participants who completed the race were awarded with a finisher’s medal at a prize-giving ceremony that was held after the race. During this same ceremony, three individuals with the most creative planking photos and videos under the #myMERCYrun Plank Challenge were also awarded with prizes from their sponsors.
For more information on the #myMERCYrun and the #myMERCYrun Plank Challenge, please visit http://www.mercy.org.my.
Notes to Editor:
Donor: Deutsche Bank
Powered by: Revive Isotonic
T-Shirt Co-Sponsor: Ultron®
Breakfast Sponsors: Milo, Munchy’s, Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd, TKM Fruits
Partner: Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur, The Global Student
Timing Partner: SEIKO Innotex
Official Ride: MyTeksi Sdn Bhd
Official Media Partners: Blu Inc Media Sdn Bhd, SHAPE Magazine
Official Running Magazine: Running Malaysia
Official Communications Partner: Weber Shandwick (Malaysia)
Goodie bag Sponsors: Nestle’s Milo, PowerBar®, Kinohimitsu, GATSBY, CCM Pharmaceuticals, The Mentholatum Company
Prize Sponsors: Seiko Watch courtesy Thong Sia Sdn Bhd, Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Hotel Quickly Limited, Soleus Running Watches, AnytimeFitness@Hapseng2, NikkiFIT
#FunFitFriday Training Partner: NIKKIFIT
Technical Partner: Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association (FTKLAA)
Supported by: Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL)
Issued by Weber Shandwick* on behalf of MERCY Malaysia.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Amirah Aziz | DL: 03-6209 5224 | E: AAziz@webershandwick.com
Chloe Pan | DL: 03-6209 5214 | E: cpan@webershandwick.com
T: 03-6209 5200 | F: 03-6209 5299
*MERCY Malaysia is grateful for the pro-bono public relations services provided by Weber Shandwick Malaysia.
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About MERCY Malaysia
MERCY Malaysia is a non-profit organisation focusing on providing medical relief, sustainable health-related development and risk reduction activities for vulnerable communities in both crisis and non-crisis situations. MERCY Malaysia recognises the value of working with partners and volunteers as well as providing opportunities for individuals to serve with professionalism. We uphold the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief and hold ourselves accountable to our donors and beneficiaries. As a non-profit organisation, MERCY Malaysia relies solely on funding and donations from organisations and generous individuals to continue our services to provide humanitarian assistance to our beneficiaries. For more information, please visit http://www.mercy.org.my.
How is MERCY Malaysia funded?
To ensure independence and impartiality, MERCY Malaysia relies on donations from the general public for financial support. A portion of our income is obtained from institutional donors, individual government grants and other international organizations, which are given on project basis. MERCY Malaysia spends 80% if its income in carrying out its relief operations and support.
Important Note to Media: Usage of Wordmark MERCY Malaysia
In order to avoid confusion with other organisation(s) that uses “Mercy” as the organisation’s name or part of the organisation’s name, please take note that in addressing the name of our organisation, the wordmark for MERCY Malaysia is with capitalised “MERCY”, followed by the word “Malaysia”. When describing the organisation, the term “MERCY Malaysia” must always be used in full, and should not be partially referred to as “MERCY”, or “Mercy”. Thank you for your cooperation.
About Go International Group Sdn Bhd
Go International Group conceptualised and will co-organise the premier MERCY Malaysia International Humanitarian Run (#myMERCYrun); lifting inspiration from the many hugely successful ‘Run for a cause’ events from around the world. The relationship with MERCY Malaysia began in 2012, where it collaborated with Leo Burnett and MERCY Malaysia to encourage volunteerism amongst youth, as well as raise funds for the Yasmin Ahmad Childrens’ Fund via its annual FEYST: Independent Youth Festival platform.
A brand marketing and communication solutions company founded in 2006, the company is based in Kuala Lumpur and has established a strong foothold in cause-related marketing projects for numerous NGOs from around the region. Go International Group specialises in producing lifestyle and community festivals that have made a mark especially amongst the youth. Committed to serving the youth community, its signature event FEYST, has empowered 45 young Malaysians to make their mark in the world since 2008 at international festivals like Electronic Sports World Cup in France, DreamHack in Sweden, The Digital Youth Awards in Shanghai and recently, the Global Battle of the Bands World Finals in Chiangmai, Thailand. The company produces brand experiences through ground events and plans strategic marketing communication campaigns for Clients. Visit http://www.gointernationalgroup.com/v12.
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