HÀ NỘI — With thousands of participants, the event ‘Run for Children 2018’ successfully raised more than VNĐ1.1 billion (US$47,000) for underprivileged children with cancer and congenital heart disease.

Run for Children, first launched in 2009, is an annual event held by the Việt Nam-Canada Friendship Association and Canadian Embassy in Việt Nam.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Health and Chairman of the Việt Nam-Canada Friendship Association, Nguyễn Viết Tiến, said the increasing number of participants including individuals, organisations, businesses, schools and clubs in Hà Nội over the year has proved the significance and popularity of the event.

He said he hoped the run would continue to be a platform that helps to connect kind hearts with patients, together making a positive impact on the community.

Tiến added that this year marked the 45th anniversary of Việt Nam-Canada diplomatic relations and over the last decade, the run has been a typical event in the friendship and cooperation relations between the two countries. Run for Children 2018 will continue to be a bridge between Vietnamese people and international friends as well as contribute to Việt Nam-Canada relations.

Canadian Ambassador to Việt Nam Deborah Paul said every child deserves to have a healthy life. Each person can create a difference for the lives of children with diseases, helping them have the chance to receive treatment and bring hope for them to realise their dreams.

The funds raised from the event will be used to support disadvantaged children with congenital heart disease and cancer at Việt Nam National Children’s Hospital and Hà Nội Heart Hospital. — VNS