KUCHING: A heavy downpour yesterday morning did not dampen the spirit of the 450 participants of the ‘Stand By Me’ Charity Run at Saradise Kuching, BDC.
Themed ‘Communities Make The Difference’, the run organised by Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS) and the Kuching Divisional Health Office was held for the first time here in conjunction with the World Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day. Its objective was to make the public aware of AIDS and its preventive measures.
The runners gathered as early as 6.30am at Saradise. They completed the 3km and 7km events at around 8am and received medals for their efforts.
Profits collected from the run will be channelled to the society for its awareness and outreach programmes.
According to the SACS president Dr Yuwana Podin since the society was established in 1998, it has gone all out to reach to the AIDS affected population and high-risk groups.
“We have even gone to the dark alleys to conduct our community outreach programme,” she said.
Yuwana said although the number of people taking part in the run was small, nevertheless they had helped to create more awareness on AIDS.
“Your presence here has touched our hearts,” she told the participants.
SACS, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) formed in May 19, 1998, conducts advocacy work specifically related to HIV/ADIS in Sarawak.
Its mission is to disseminate information on the prevention of HIV/AIDS to the general public and key affected population; to educate the public about the facts and myths regarding HIV/AIDS, to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS and to provide peer support to people and families living with HIV/AIDS and protect their rights.
For further enquiries about the society, call 082-233173 or email to sarawakaids@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page Sarawak AIDS Concern Society.
The society office is located on the second floor of Lot 1609, Block 10, KTLD, Jalan Batu Lintang here. It provides its care and support service at the Teratak Kasih Tok Nan Kuching One-Stop Support Centre at Jalan Crookshank.
