BeFit and WPP unite to host fundraising event

The Befit Movement and the World Paediatric Project (WPP) have joined hands to host a fundraising event.

The initiative, “5K Sweat – To Heal a Child” is the brainchild of BeFit founder Lyndon James and takes place on Saturday November 30, 2019.

The 5k Sweat – To Heal a Child event will see persons moving from the Richmond Hill Playing Field to the decommissioned ET Joshua airport tarmac behind a 40-foot music truck.

“You can walk, chip or a run,” James told persons at the launch of the event last Friday at the President’s Suite of the Arnos Vale Sporting Complex.

He said the event is being held to help raise funds for the WPP and all proceeds will go to the WPP. Persons who wish to be part of the event must purchase a package.

James said since January 2019, he decided with Loren McIntosh, the Executive Director of WPP Eastern Caribbean that BeFit would partner with the WPP to raise awareness and assist.

“The more we as a country could help the WPP, the better and the more work they can actually do, and I hope people can support this cause,” James added.

The initiative has attracted several sponsors including FLOW, VINSURE, Mountain Top, BOOM FM and Mike’s Screen Prints and James said that he is happy with the progress as the sponsors are making sure the event will be a good one.

“I asking persons to jump on board and support,” he stated.

McIntosh said that businesses who may not be able to offer sponsorship should consider other ways they can lend a hand as the WPP gives critical paediatric care to the region’s children from the hub in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

The 5K Sweat is part of a WPP “Every Child Counts” campaign which is twofold and was launched earlier this year.

The first aspect of that campaign is to raise US$100,000 in two years while the second aspect is to make sure that as many persons as possible know about the work of the WPP.

McIntosh noted that the WPP’s aim is to be able to reach every single child and make a difference in that child’s life, should he or she need surgical intervention.

She said 5K Sweat is going to be an evening of fun as it is a family-oriented event.

Also, at the launch was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Cuthbert Knights.

“We really can’t help but to thank BeFit for his vigour and continued effort to really make a difference in the life of Vincentians and on this occasion our children.

He added, “this is a very significant event and it really reminds us of the role of WPP and of SVG when it comes to the commitment as it regards to the health of our children.”

Knights also noted that the event is an effort by the WPP to source greater funding and support to help care for children.