Guardian Foundation raises millions for hospitals

The Guardian Group Foundation's Keep It Alive 5K Night Runs have raised some $37.5 million and attracted more than 19,000 participants since its inception in 2014.

The money raised has been used to purchase life-saving equipment and medical supplies for the beneficiaries, the University Hospital of the West Indies, Victoria Jubilee Hospital, as well as the Cornwall, Mandeville and St Ann's Bay regional hospitals. Other beneficiaries include service clubs - Kiwanis, Optimist, Rotary and Lions - who have partnered in these events since the inception.

Recently, the Guardian Group Foundation held a cheque handover ceremony and launched its 2017 Keep It Alive 5K Night Run. Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton; Desmond McKenzie, minister of local government and community development; and newly installed Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips all endorsed the cause and encouraged more public-private partnerships to address health care and other national issues that are in need of attention.

2016 RUN

The 2016 run had more than 7,000 participants and raised $15.5 million. Eric Hosin, president of Guardian Life, in applauding the contributions of the various sponsors and participants, said their participation has demonstrated that they care in a tangible way.

"I encourage you to continue to run for the cause and to help us reach our 2017 goal of $25 million. We all benefit from the services of the hospitals in one way or another," Hosin said.

FAR-REACHING BENEFITS

President of Guardian General Insurance Jamaica Limited Karen Bhoorasingh said the benefit is far-reaching and impactful, and persons stand to benefit personally, as well as their immediate families and the wider Jamaica. She also encouraged early registration for the 2017 run.

Dr Hyacinth Harding-Goldson of the University Hospital of the West Indies, who spoke on behalf of the benefiting hospitals, attested to the many lives that have been positively impacted and even saved by the equipment purchased from the proceeds of these Guardian Foundations night runs.

Patrons Dr Sara Lawrence and Olympian Javon Francis are once again galvanising participation for the 2017 runs.

The fourth staging of the runs will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 in Kingston, and Saturday, June 3, 2017, in Montego Bay, both commencing at 7 p.m.

Registration is now open and further information is available on the Guardian Group Foundation Keep It Alive 5K Night Runs website at www.keepitalive5k.com. Donations can also be made through the website.