Charis Hospice hosts ‘Happy Feet’ charity fun run

Charis Hospice, a Penang-based non-profit organisation, is organising its first-ever ‘Happy Feet’ Charity Fun Run on April 20th, 2024.

This event aims to raise awareness for palliative care, encourage community participation, and secure crucial funding to continue providing free care to patients in need.

5km route welcomes walkers, joggers, and runners

The event offers a 5 km route suitable for all fitness levels. Participants can walk, jog, or run at their own pace, making it an inclusive and engaging experience for everyone.

Registration opens on February 26th, 2024, and closes on April 12th, 2024, or when slots are filled.

The starting fee is RM60 per participant, covering a commemorative T-shirt, finisher medal, refreshments, and a chance to participate in the best costume contest and quiz.

Beyond offering a fun and healthy activity, the ‘Happy Feet’ run is a significant fundraising effort for Charis Hospice. Dr. Oo Loo Chan, the organization’s founder, explains,

“This run aims to raise awareness of palliative care, foster compassion and service, and secure funding to continue providing free palliative home care services to our patients.”

The event aims to raise RM200,000, contributing to their annual budget of RM1 million in 2024.

Charis Hospice: Raising funds for a noble cause

Dr. Oo elaborates on the importance of palliative care: “It’s compassionate, whole-person care for people facing life-threatening illnesses.

It prioritises both physical and emotional well-being, ensuring patients receive comprehensive and dignified care.”

Palliative care goes beyond medical interventions. It encompasses emotional, spiritual, and social support, aiming to enhance patients’ and families’ quality of life during difficult times.

This involves counselling, care coordination, pain management, and bereavement support. Ideally, it incorporates social work services for ongoing assistance.

Dr. Oo emphasises, “Malaysia lags behind in this area, and events like this can help raise awareness and encourage its wider implementation.”

Founded in 2004, Charis Hospice has been dedicated to providing free palliative home care to patients across Penang, regardless of their background.

They currently operate with a team of eight dedicated staff members and countless volunteers.

Through initiatives like the ‘Happy Feet’ Fun Run, they aim to foster a culture of giving and ensure continued access to crucial palliative care services for those in need.

To register for the Happy Feet 5 km Charity Fun Run, visit https://charishospice.com/charity-run-2024/. 

T-shirt sizes are only available for registrations before 22nd Mac 2024. 

Donations can be made via the Charis Hospice website.

Visit http://www.charishospice.com//donate/

Tax exempt receipt will be issued based on IRB Guidelines under Subsection 44(6) of Income Tax Act 1967.

For further inquiries, please contact Charis Hospice via WhatsApp at 011-12466757 or email at [email protected].