Heroes for Children Run 2016 with Anne Curtis-Smith Marks UNICEF's 70th Anniversary
Anne Curtis Smith Friday, August 12, 2016
UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis calls on runners to join the second year of theHeroes for Children Runon September 4, 2016, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.
“I was deeply inspired by the support we received during last year’s run. From children with disabilities to serious runners, the public came together for a great cause. This year, I’m inviting everyoneonce again to be a hero for children. All proceeds will benefit UNICEF’s First 1,000 Days campaign for children’s health and nutrition needs,”says Curtis
Ms. Curtis was appointed as UNICEF Celebrity Advocate in November 2014.
How Did Anne Curtis-Smith Started Working With Unicef?
According to Anne, "I started my involvement with UNICEF back in 2009 when I made a donation after I received one of UNICEF’s letters in the mail. Prior to that, I have been supporting different NGOs as children’s issues have always been close to my heart."
"In 2012, I got the chance to meet the UNICEF team in their head office and I learned more about what the organization does and the scope of children’s issues we need to address – malnutrition, violence, access to school and basic necessities like water and sanitation. Many things that we often take for granted."
What’s Been The Highlight So Far of Anne's visit Since she Started Working with the Organization?
Anne said, "Since I came on board, I’ve been able to do so many things with UNICEF. One of the most significant moments was when we traveled to Tacloban and Leyte for my very first field visit. I got to meet children and families who need our help the most. I met pregnant mothers and I saw newborn babies. I learned how important it is that pregnant mothers get pre-natal check-ups, that they eat nutritious foods and take appropriate vitamins & minerals and that health and nutrition systems are in place so they can easily access all these services.
When I visited the hospital, I learned that they had protocols in place to ensure that babies only get breastmilk and nothing else for 6 months and then continue receiving breastmilk with complementary food from 6 months till two years."
What’s is Anne's end goal with unicef?
Anne said, "By working with UNICEF, I get to learn so much about complex children’s issues and understand what’s being done and what still needs to be done not just by UNICEF, but all sectors of society. My only goal is to really help raise awareness and funds so that UNICEF can continue doing what it does best for children --- long-term, sustainable solutions that tackle children’s issues at the root causes."
“For 70 years, UNICEF has worked to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and excluded children around the world. Despite the many gains, the lives and futures of millions of children are still in jeopardy. In the Philippines, one out of three children under the age of five suffers from chronic malnutrition—theeffects of which can be permanent, irreversible and even fatal after two years of age. UNICEF believes every child should have a fair chance at life,” UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Lotta Sylwander says.
The First 1,000 Days programme focuses on prenatal and early childhood interventions to prevent undernutrition, including quality care for mothers, proper nutrition and complementary feeding, and life-saving treatment for severe acute malnutrition. The effect of good health and nutrition lasts well into adulthood and is key ingredient in breaking the cycle of poverty.
Last year’s run saw more than 3,200 runners raise Php 3 million for the benefit of the First 1,000 Days programme. This year, the event aims to attract more runners to raise fundsfor the campaign.
“We are grateful for Anne’s dedication and significant contributions in raising awareness and funds for children in need. Anne’s power lies in her sincerity and genuine passion in everything she does. Through her support, we will continue to make a huge difference for children in need,” Sylwander adds.
Fans who want to support Anne but cannot physically run or be present on race day may donate on her personal SimplyGiving fundraising page at www.simplygiving.com/event/HeroesforChildrenRun2016.
Online registration is ongoing at www.runrio.com/HeroesforChildren until 19 August 2016. In-store registration is ongoing until 28 August 2016 at the following Chris Sports outlets: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM City BF Homes, Glorietta, Market! Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, and UP Town Center (from August 15 to 28). The run is one of many activities slated in 2016as UNICEF commemorates its 70th year helping to build a better world for every child.
The Heroes for Children Run 2016 is organized by Anne Curtis and co-presented by Run Rio through the support of SM Mall of Asia, Cherry Mobile, Gatorade, Viva Artists Agency Incorporated, Toy Kingdom, Swatch, Eureka Home Appliances, Maynilad, Philippine Star, Good Housekeeping, Female Network, SM Cinemas, Nyxsys Philippines, Chris Sports, F1 Hotel& Resorts, Transprint Corporation, Microtel by Wyndham, Hisense/Devant, and Pacific Cross Insurance.
To know more about the run and UNICEF’s programs, visit www.unicef.ph or call 758-1000 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
You're such a beautiful person inside and out Anne and I hope you continue your advocacy!
We're all so proud of you! May you finish the 21km run!
