(L-R) UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis, UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Lotta Sylwander and Coach Rio dela Cruz

UNICEF Celebrity Advocate for Children Anne Curtis calls on runners to join the second year of the Heroes for Children Run on September 4, 2016, Sunday, at the SM Mall of Asia grounds.
“I was deeply inspired by the support we received during last year’s run. From children with disabilities to serious runners, the public came together for a great cause. This year, I’m inviting everyone once again to be a hero for children. All proceeds will benefit UNICEF’s First 1,000 Days campaign for children’s health and nutrition needs,” says Curtis
“For 70 years, UNICEF has worked to improve the lives of the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and excluded children around the world. Despite the many gains, the lives and futures of millions of children are still in jeopardy. In the Philippines, one out of three children under the age of five suffers from chronic malnutrition—the effects of which can be permanent, irreversible and even fatal after two years of age. UNICEF believes every child should have a fair chance at life,” UNICEF Philippines Country Representative Lotta Sylwander says.

The First 1,000 Days programme focuses on prenatal and early childhood interventions to prevent under nutrition, including quality care for mothers, proper nutrition and complementary feeding, and life-saving treatment for severe acute malnutrition. The effect of good health and nutrition lasts well into adulthood and is key ingredient in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Last year’s run saw more than 3,200 runners raise Php 3 million for the benefit of the First 1,000 Days programme. This year, the event aims to attract more runners to raise funds for the campaign.

“We are grateful for Anne’s dedication and significant contributions in raising awareness and funds for children in need. Anne’s power lies in her sincerity and genuine passion in everything she does. Through her support, we will continue to make a huge difference for children in need,” Sylwander adds.

Fans who want to support Anne but cannot physically run or be present on race day may donate on her personal SimplyGiving fundraising page at www.simplygiving.com/event/HeroesforChildrenRun2016. Ms. Curtis was appointed as UNICEF Celebrity Advocate in November 2014.
Online registration is ongoing at www.runrio.com/HeroesforChildren until 19 August 2016. In-store registration is ongoing until 28 August 2016 at the following Chris Sports outlets: SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM City North Edsa, SM City BF Homes, Glorietta, Market! Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, and UP Town Center (from August 15 to 28). The run is one of many activities slated in 2016 as UNICEF commemorates its 70th year helping to build a better world for every child.

The Heroes for Children Run 2016 is organized by Anne Curtis and co-presented by RunRio through the support of SM Mall of Asia, Cherry Mobile, Gatorade, Viva Artists Agency Incorporated, Toy Kingdom, Swatch, Eureka Home Appliances, Maynilad, Philippine Star, Good Housekeeping, Female Network, SM Cinemas, Nyxsys Philippines, Chris Sports, F1 Hotel & Resorts, Transprint Corporation, Microtel by Wyndham, Hisense/Devant, and Pacific Cross Insurance.

To know more about the run and UNICEF’s programs, visit www.unicef.ph or call 758-1000 (Mondays to Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.).