TCM book - All about Traditional Chinese Medicine

The Third Annual Fundraising Walk and Run took place at the Edmonton Rundle Park on the 27^th of June.  Approximately 260 people participated and more than 30 volunteers helped in the process, resulting in a busy and bustling scene.

This year’s Walk and Run was organized and programmed solely by the Centre.  The organizing committee included our directors Wing Choy, Mary Fung and John Woo as well as our Executive Director Perry Twaits and Senior Program Manager Simon Wang. The planning process started with the preparation and distribution of registration and donation forms, advertising and encouraging generous donations from the general public, etc. and the mobilization of all available manpower on the day of the event.  Besides the Centre’s directors and staff, our volunteers were our greatest help.  And of course, the event was successful due to your presence and support.  This Walk and Run raised a total of over $18,000 which will be used to support the operation of the Centre, fund different programs, help new immigrants settle down to a happy life, and provide various services to immigrants, families, children, youth, and seniors.

The weather was fine on the day of the event, with a particularly suitable cool temperature.  On a quiet Saturday morning before 8 o’clock when the various businesses in Chinatown had not yet opened their doors for the day, a lot of people had already gathered in front of the entrance to the ASSIST Community Services Centre creating a bustling scene.  Old and young, men and women alike were gathered excitedly preparing to use the free transport provided by the Centre to travel to the destination, the scenic Rundle Park within the city.  Two yellow school buses filled with a portion of the participants headed out on the mighty journey!

Right after entering the Park, there were volunteers helping to direct traffic and parking.  Inside the ACT Centre, some participants were already enjoying simple breakfasts consisting of bread and mineral water provided by the Centre.  Around 10 a.m., with the announcement by the master of ceremony, Allan Mah, our director Wing Choy led participants in a simple warm up exercise.  At 10:30 a.m., all competitors moved outdoor to the start/finish line set up by the Running Room. The fabulous lion dance performance raised the atmosphere of the whole event. This year, there were 5km Run and 2km Walk events.  At the sound of the whistle, competing runners started at the starting point followed by all walking competitors. Along the whole route, volunteers helped to point participants in the right direction and all competitors completed the walk or run in an orderly manner. 

After the exercise, everybody enjoyed the lunch prepared meticulously for all participants by the Centre. Certificates of Acknowledgement were awarded to sponsoring organizations and medals were also awarded to the winning runners, Reece Retallack, Yifei Wang and Peter Kwan. More than 30 lucky winners were picked in the lucky draw to receive the prizes donated by sponsors.  The event was successfully concluded in a joyous atmosphere.

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