Khairy (left) and ISKL school head Norma Hudson (second from left) flagging off the participants.
HUNDREDS of walkers of all ages gathered on a pleasant Saturday morning at Perdana Botanical Garden to get active while showing their support for a noble cause.
Organised by the International School of Kuala Lumpur’s (ISKL) International Club, the fourth “Walk For Children” walkathon was essentially a fundraiser organised by youths in support of disadvantaged youths.
More than 700 participants comprising ISKL students and their families, representatives of the event sponsors, as well as interested members of the public took part in one of two distances for the walk – 5km or 3km.
Joining them as the guest of honour was Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, who took part in the 3km category with his wife Nori Abdullah.
“It is good that the school community has put in this effort to contribute to the two very deserving recipients,” he said, praising the organisers for their noble intentions.
Some of the students trying out the inflatable castle.
Funds raised from the event was estimated to be more than RM80,000, and the profits would be donated to Tasputra Perkim, a daycare and therapy centre for special needs children, and Shelter Home for Children, a home for abused, neglected, at-risk and abandoned children.
Organising committee president Anne Wilson, 16, was pleased with the success of the event and was thankful to everyone who showed support.
“This wasn’t just about raising money for the charities, but also promoting internationalism and supporting the Malaysian community outside our school group,” said Wilson.
The student-led club of ISKL is founded on the pillars of embracing international cultural diversity while engaging in community service that targets youth welfare centres.
After the walk, a total of 20 prizes that included medals and hampers were awarded to the top finishers in each category.
The event also featured a small bazaar area for food and drinks, an inflatable castle for young children to enjoy, as well as live musical and dance performances by ISKL students.
Both the young and old signed up for the walk in aid of disadvantaged youths.