A total of 2,500 participants ran in the race's first in-person event in Hong Kong since 2019.
Launched as a single race in 2009 at New York’s Riverside Park, RBC Race for the Kids has since grown into a global charity event, raising more than C$74 million for youth organizations. On Feb. 4, 2023, Race for the Kids returned for its first in-person event in Hong Kong since 2019.
The event, which took place by the waterfront in West Kowloon Cultural District, saw a combined total of 2,500 participants in the five-kilometre timed race and the three-kilometre family fun run.
“This event provides RBC colleagues a great opportunity to participate in a special fundraising opportunity,” says Judith Lee, managing director and head of Global Investment Banking Asia at RBC Capital Markets.
Mayur Nallamala, CEO of RBC BlueBay Asset Management in Asia adds, “There’s an event for everyone from the timed race to the fun run, I’m really grateful to be able to support this race.”
Race for the Kids Hong Kong raised more than HK$650,000 with the funds earmarked for supporting two programs at The Boys’ & Girls’ Clubs Association (BGCA): the Community Creative Learning Centre, which encourages youth to explore their aspirations and expand their ambitions through the establishment of networks; and the Child Development Fund-Growing Partners II, which helps teenagers broaden their horizons by assigning a life coach to each participant.
“It is great to bring people together – friends and families alike – to support an important charity like BGCA. I’m incredibly proud to be part of an organization that gives back,” says Karen Ku, director of Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Citizenship at RBC Wealth Management in Asia.
“BGCA is glad to partner with Royal Bank of Canada to raise funds for the disadvantaged youth and families in Hong Kong and we look forward to future partnerships to support the local community,” says Charles Chan Kin-hung, executive director at BGCA.
More than 200 volunteers helped out at the event, and 150 performers entertained the crowds at the after-race carnival.
“I really enjoyed myself and I hope this event will go into helping youths and better their lives,” says Ryaza, who participated in the fun run. “I will definitely return next year and maybe [even] perform on stage!”