Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, 24 September 2016 – Residents of Home of Peace and Rumah Titian Kaseh would be having a brighter and better year through the efforts of the IMU Chariofare 2016 – International Medical University (IMU)’s largest charity run and carnival entirely organised by first year students of IMU.
Catherine Cheang, President of IMU Chariofare 2016 said, “It has been a humbling experience organising the IMU Chariofare 2016. Definitely something that I can never learn by just studying in the University. I feel that this experience will make me a better healthcare professional, given the experience of learning how to communicate and deal with different people”
The proceeds garnered through the IMU Chariofare will go a long way in ensuring that the residents of these homes (Home of Peace and Rumah Titian Kaseh) would enjoy an enriching life not only by improving the physical space of these homes but also by improving their health and education. The funds would also help those who are affected by natural disasters and the less privileged population in Malaysia through the IMU Cares Humanitarian Aid Fund. 
Catherine added, “I hope that Chariofare will grow bigger and be known by more. I would also like to encourage more students to take on the challenge and play an active role. As this is such a meaningful event that brings everyone together for the same cause while having fun, this is a great way of brightening someone’s life in our own small way!” 
Themed “Colouring Lives”, the Chariofare started with its Charity Run early Saturday morning. Breaking last year’s record, 1,880 runners descended upon Bukit Jalil for the annual Run to raise funds for these three beneficiaries. Staggered flag off for all eight categories of the Run started at 6:30 am after a short warm-up exercise. Teams of families, friends, university/high school students, IMU staff and IMU students from as young as 6 years old enthusiastically joined together in the annual Run and managed to raise more than RM180,000. These runners are making a difference by taking the opportunity to get a great workout and improve their health whilst raising funds.
Commenting on the event, one of the runners, Renee Lee Jo Rynn, a National Basketball Player who is also our 4th year Dentistry student says, “I participate in Chariofare annually and it’s amazing when we are all out running for the same cause. It gives you a great feeling of fulfilment that even though it may not be much – just by running, I am already changing someone’s life. I feel it’s important that we don’t only do things for ourselves for our own achievements. However, by doing something for someone else in your own capacity – it makes life all encompassing.”
Renee is one of our guests of honour for this year’s event together with Jonathan Wong, Malaysian Air Pistol Olympian. Their presence made the event even more meaningful as they shared the secret to their success. They were also on hand to present the medals and hampers to the winners of the Run. The event also saw a lucky draw session where lucky winners walked away with prizes ranging from a cruise package, Legoland & KidZania tickets, iPads, electrical appliances and cash vouchers. 
Besides the run, there were over 50 unique stalls which provides an array of delicacies, fresh vegetables, unique food and beverage concoctions, merchandise, fun activities and healthcare services. Spoiled for choices, participants and visitors were also entertained with lively music, performances and games, including a 24 Drums & Lion Dance Performance by the children of Ti-Ratana and a special award presentation of the Diana Award to our psychology student, Bushra Farooq. 
IMU Chariofare is a flagship programme under the IMU Cares portfolio. As the University places utmost importance in serving the community and “Living the Values”, IMU Cares carries out over 100 programmes that allow both students and staff of IMU to engage with the larger community beyond the University. ‘ Chariofare is also supported by the IMU Foundation and partnered by IMU Healthcare and Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur (PHKL). Both IMU and PHKL are the subsidiaries of IHH Healthcare Berhad, one of the largest listed private healthcare providers in the world based on market capitalisation. The IMU Foundation was set up to fund community projects that are conducted by IMU staff and students. IMU Chariofare 2016 attracted over 6,000 participants of public, students and staff and their families. The success of the event is also from generous contributions and support of over 70 sponsors, partners in the industry and the community. This year’s Diamond Sponsor was MSIG while Platinum and Gold Sponsors were Star Cruises and IDIFYNetZ respectively. Over the last four years, the total amount raised was almost RM700, 000. The entire proceeds goes to charity. Watch this video of the event Related articles: Students and athletes help raise funds for two welfare homes (The Star Online) IMU Chariofare 2015 Breaks Record with more than RM 170, 000 Raised for Charity RM171,764 Raised for Four Beneficiaries at IMU Chariofare ’14 IMU Chariofare 2013 – Students & Staff raise over RM150,000 for charity IMU Chariofare ’12 Additional Photos from Facebook: IMU IMU Editorial Board IMU Cares
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