CUMI to run for mental illness

The support from corporate Jamaica for the Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill's (CUMI) run/walk has continued to strengthen, according to race organiser Junior Taylor.

The 5K run/walk and 10K run, which celebrates the non-government organisation's 10th anniversary tomorrow at the Tryall Club, is expected to see close to 1,000 participants run and walk in support of mental health, and to raise funds to bolster the CUMI Trust.

"Over 14 sponsors have come on board this year, and what that means for us, is less funds to put together the event and more being handed over to the charity. We are in our 10th year this year, and we are truly indebted to corporate Jamaica who make this run possible each year," Taylor said.

It costs CUMI more than $6 million per annum in operational costs to run the day shelter and provide rehabilitation support for its more than 50 clients on an ongoing basis.

QUIET BUT GRACIOUS GIVERS

CUMI is one of few institutions on the island that provides rehabilitation of the mentally ill and homeless, who have either been turned out of their homes and left to wander the streets, or those who simply cannot afford to get treatment in another facility.

"CUMI is one of those charities that do so much for Jamaica quietly, and they have done so graciously for over 25 years. Because of the stigma associated with mental illness, we find that so many people have refused to get help until its too late, and CUMI may be, and has been, that saving grace for so many persons in and around St James," said Bethany Young, marketing and communications manager for Rainforest Seafoods.

The CUMI Come Run will be coordinated by Running Events Jamaica, the island's premier race management service, and will kick off at 6:30 a.m.

The minimum age for entry to the 10K run is 13 years and the 5K run/walk, 7 years old. Interested persons may sign up online at runningeventsja.com.