Fun run for a cause

Spreading good tidings for the season, a run for ‘Saksham’, an initiative by The Oberoi, was held in the City recently. Nearly 100 runners including children from the ages of four to 14 gathered early in the morning to commence the run from the hotel to Ulsoor Park and back.

The event saw people from all walks of life, from corporate honchos to homemakers, school children and the hotel’s team members, who all donned their ‘Run for Saksham’ T-shirts and ran or walked the distance, to raise awareness about the organisation ‘SOS Children’s Village’. It helped raise more than Rs 6,00,000 to support the education and wellness of children from the households of ‘SOS Children’s Village’. It was a true moment of festive cheer.

“Apart from the other CSR activities that the hotel already does, it is heart-warming and endearing to see how they have adopted two households from the organisation and are helping raise awareness and funds for the same,” said Titus Poovakulam, zonal director (South) of ‘SOS Children’s Villages’.

He adds that the enthusiasm of the participants and the hotel staff also helped them look at the projects with more confidence. Titus added, “The children of Bengaluru are our responsibility. This is the exact emotion that this event reflected.”

Many described the event as a relaxed affair. Anshul Kaul, General Manager, The Oberoi, said, “It was amazing  to be part of an event which was successful despite its humble format. This is the first time we decided to do an event like this and we are planning to do this every year.” He added that this “fun run” was supposed to kindle conversation and interest about the project. “It was pleasant to see the interest among people and the support they extended to the activity.”

One of the participants of the run, Namrata Khawas, an HR Manager, said, “There are many marathons and walkathons held in the City, but most of them are hosted or associated with the corporated sector. This is my first experience with an event which is by the hotel industry. It’s nice to see how they have picked up this format as they can connect with a variety of people.”

The event concluded with a cultural programme by the children of ‘SOS’ and a healthy breakfast. The children were excited about spending time with the participants.

Raksha, a 10th grade student, said that though she had been a part of running events earlier, she felt proud to spend it with her dear ones. “It’s a different experience to be with people you love.” Ashwini, a PUC student of NMKRV College, said, “It was a special feeling to be so close to nature have a good run.”

Another youngster, Apurva, a second-year Commercial Practice student, who took part in the Bollywood dance event, said, “It was nice to practice for the event and perform in front of all the people. It was a nice family affair.”