Calling all runners! If you enjoy running, and more so when running for a charitable cause, then this is for YOU!

SPD, an organisation that helps people with disabilities, will be running the inaugural SPD Breaking Barriers Virtual Run in conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December 2017.

Frasers Centrepoint Malls is a Gold Sponsor for the event. The proceeds donated to this event was raised by Frasers Centrepoint Malls during the Great Singapore Sale. Commuters who booked a ride through Grab with the code “FrasersGoodWill” to any Frasers Centrepoint Mall enjoyed $2 off their fare. In return for their support, Frasers Centrepoint Malls donated the total value of all supported rides to beneficiaries that included SPD and the Mobility Aids Servicing and Training Centre (MASTC), a project of Kampung Senang Charity & Education Foundation.

In addition, shoppers also showed their support during the “$300,000 Word Dash” charity round on 27 May 2017 at Waterway Point, where beneficiaries of SPD, and representatives from MASTC took on a word puzzle challenge. The total amount raised during the charity rounds were matched dollar for dollar by Frasers Centrepoint Malls and donated to the beneficiaries.

SPD is a voluntary welfare organisation that supports people with disabilities by promoting their interests, welfare and advancement to develop their potential to the fullest. This is carried out through programmes and services that include therapy, training, assistive technology, early intervention, day care, as well as employment, educational and social support. SPD seeks to enable people with disabilities to be self-reliant and independent.

Run anywhere, any time

The SPD Breaking Barriers Virtual Run is a 10km run that allows participants to run anywhere, whether on a treadmill or in a park, at any time and any pace they prefer and at zero stress. The run period is from 24 November to 10 December 2017 and the last day for registration is 8 December 2017. The run is targeted to attract 1,200 participants and the funds raised will be channelled to help over 9,400 people with disabilities served through the programmes and services offered by SPD.

Helen Tay, Assistant Director, Resource Development, Community Partnerships at SPD Ability Centre says, “This is the first time that SPD is organising a virtual run and we hope that this can become an annual event for us. Virtual runs are novel and seem to be catching on in Singapore. The idea of running at their convenience will appeal to those with busy or unpredictable schedules. It also encourages people who are not avid runners to participate as they can complete the run over multiple sessions. This is also a new platform that we are tapping on to reach out for more support. SPD aims to raise $50,000 from this charity event."

She adds, “Our main goal is to help integrate people with disabilities into mainstream society. We cannot do this alone, and require the entire community, to be supportive and accepting of those with special needs, before we can be called a truly inclusive society."

So what are you waiting for, sign up now at  www.virtualrun.spd.org.sg. Upon completion, submission and approval of run, participants will be rewarded with a medal.