The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Hundreds brave the drizzle for a cause

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Monday, Nov 09, 2009
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Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Hundreds brave the drizzle for a cause

Staff Reporter

11th edition of annual Citizen’s Run to mobilise funds

— K.V.Srinivasan

Good response: A large number of children participated in the Citizens Run 2009 in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: On a rain-swept afternoon, the shores of the Marina were teeming with activity, as several hundreds of volunteers from various institutions got together and ran for a cause.

Braving steady drizzle, students from Arunodayam Charitable Trust, Andhra Bala Nanda Trust, Suyam Charitable Trust, Gnanadeepam, which is a special school for the mentally challenged, Selvi Memorial and members of Freedom through Education project of Round Table took part in the 11th edition of the annual ‘Citizen’s Run 2009,’ organised by Citizens Run Trust and Round Table on Sunday.

The event sought to mobilise funds for various social causes. Proceeds from the sale of T-shirts will go to the funds distributed among the participating non-governmental organisations.

The run, which was earlier planned from Lady Willingdon College to Anna Square, was cut short to half-a-km owing to the rain.

“It was overwhelming to see a good response. The event is to sensitise people to those NGOs that are struggling for funds,” said Prabhat Sreewatsav, Area II chairman, Round Table. A part of the funds will go to Freedom through Education, a long-term project of Round Table.

On the logo of the run, Mr. Sreewatsav said it summed up the cause behind the event. “The three feet — one with sneakers, one with chappal and a bare-footed one — symbolise that the run is for all.”

One of the biggest runs in the city, the Citizen’s Run has been attracting thousands of volunteers every year to donate funds for select NGOs. Last year, the event witnessed nearly 6,000 participants.

“Rains did dampen the spirit of many this year. But what was heartening this time was the enthusiastic participation of kids,” said Ranvir Shah, one of the trustees of Citizens Run Trust.

Students of Hindustan University, members of NGOs and volunteers from Icare, also took part in the run.

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