THOUSANDS JOIN GAPO MILLION VOLUNTEER RUN

Olongapo City was swamped in a sea of red last February 10, 2013 when about 10,000 runners from all walks of life participated in the 2nd Million Volunteer Run organized nationwide by the Philippine Red Cross.

Red Cross Olongapo Chapter president Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., together with First Lady Anne Gordon, led the kick-off program at Marikit Park where the run started.

The run ended at Ayala Harbor Point where Mayor Gordon gave out certificates of participation to the first 100 participants who made it to the finish line.

“Once again, Olongapo lived up to its reputation as the city of volunteers,” said Mayor Gordon.  Addressing the huge crowd of runners, he added, “We hope that you will also support the Red Cross blood drives and volunteer to our 143 program.”

 Red Cross 143 is a program designed to engage Filipinos into volunteerism as the country is one of the most disaster-prone nations in the world.

Under the program, the agency recruits at least 44 volunteers in every community, comprised of one team leader and 43 members.

They undergo rigid hands-on training to be able to respond to and lead on-ground efforts during emergencies and other challenging situations

Meanwhile, PRC chairman Dick Gordon expressed his happiness and gratitude for the overwhelming support that the public has given the MVR all over the country. Some 700,000 runners participated in MVR 2, surpassing the success of MVR 1 which drew  400,000 volunteers.

The MVR was held in key cities in the country and served as an avenue to raise funds for PRC youth and volunteer trainings on disaster management and equipping every community with life-saving skills.

Pao/sara jane delos santos