Gamuda Land Vietnam and VinaCapital Foundation have announced the launch of the tenth annual charity run, Run For The Heart 2024, to raise funds for children with congenital heart defects. 

The charity run will take place on March 23 at Yên Sở Park in Hà Nội's Hoàng Mai District. Up to 5,000 participants are expected to compete in the run. 

Speaking at the kick-off ceremony on Monday, James Lai Siaw Pin, general director of Gamuda Land Vietnam, said: "Corporate social responsibility has always been an integral part of our Gamuda Group while remaining steadfast in being a responsible organisation as we enrich communities and shape a sustainable future. Run For The Heart is one of our annual events demonstrating our commitment to this." 

"As we lace up our running shoes to this event, each and every one of us here today has contributed to vital medical treatments that brighten the faces of children and families facing congenital heart challenges. Together, we embody the essence of community, empathy and boundless generosity. With each step, we forge a heartbeat of hope," he said. 

For his part, CEO of VinaCapital Foundation Rad Kivette said that annually, Việt Nam witnesses the birth of approximately 15,000 children with congenital heart defects (CHDs). The stark reality is that without timely intervention, an estimated 85 per cent of these children may not survive to their 18th birthday.

"This critical situation is the motivator for the VinaCapital Foundation, which has been dedicated since 2006 to mobilising resources to save children with CHDs from economically disadvantaged families in rural areas. The cost of heart surgery, currently averaging US$4,500, is often beyond their reach," he said. 

In the last nine runs, the charity programme has raised over VNĐ40.6 billion, providing life-saving surgeries for 1,549 children. This contribution is a significant part of Heartbeat Vietnam's 17-year mission, which has saved over 10,710 children across the country, he added. — VNS