Run for a reason

Running for a reason

I've never had to experience first-hand a natural disaster.  During Autumn 2011, Bangkok & Ayutthya experienced the worst flooding in something like 50 years.  Sure, I was safe in the CBD of Bangkok - safe, but not unaffected, not when over 50% of my team in HSBC was relocated for months.  My reaction?  Much as the same as others - I want to help.  Not just at the time, but now when the 'fuss' has died down and the coverage has moved on to other items.  'Now' means the 6 or so months of recovery, when the victims have to be rehoused but for many their homes are just not there anymore, or just not habitable.

One of my colleagues, after her home was severely flooded, was relocated in a hotel for over 2 months.  She showed me photos of her home - the black grimy water reached to the upper floor, whilst it had receded you could see where it been.  All I can say is it will take many weeks of cleaning and some rebuilding for her to enjoy normal life once again.  Through her smile, you can see the sadness.  You can't help but be touched deeply.

I'm a runner.  For the past few years I've reconnected with a sport that had lain fallow for some years.  In the past couple years I've clocked up coming on for 2,000 kms entering different races in HK and Thailand.  So I'm joining the dots.  I'm going to run in 2 x 1/2 marathons on 5 February in Hong Kong and then, poignantly, on 12 February in Bangkok.  The latter event was rescheduled from November 2011 due to the flooding.  

I plan to raise THB 200,000 for Habitat For Humanity, Thailand - that's USD6,700, HKD50,000 or GBP4,100.  Why that amount? Well, it's enough to build one home.  

I also plan to grab some of my wonderful colleagues in HSBC Thailand to head off and actually build this home.  A home that can accommodate one family of 5 comfortably.

So where do you come in?

I'd like you to consider donating USD 10 or GBP 10 or HKD 100 or THB 300.  Habitat has been good enough to create a special portal for your donation and for me to record my progress.  I hope you might consider giving a bit more.  But I'll leave that up to you.  I just want to make a difference and help in a small way towards the reconstruction.  You can use a credit card, pay in your own currency.  For those in Thailand, you can request a tax receipt and so offset your personal tax.

And from me, thank you.  Wish me well - 21 kms x 2 ... I'm 53 you know!