Kingston City Run targets $4 million
The Jamaica Hotel & Tourism Association (JHTA)-Kingston Chapter’s Kingston City Run (KCR) Half Marathon and 5K Walk/Run looks to raise $4 million for charities across Jamaica.
The event, set for March 7-9, will look to generate funds for homeless shelters Open Arms Drop In Centre, Marie Atkins Night Shelter, Food For the Poor, the Alpha Boys School and Missionaries of the Poor.
Speaking at the launch at the Knutsford Hotel on Wednesday, executive director for JHTA-Kingston Chapter, Camille Needham, said her organisation she is pleased to be on board.
“We are very pleased to give our substantial support to help these homeless communities. This event has grown from strength to strength in the developing of the city of Kingston and so I am pleased to announce the commitment made by the JHTA-Kingston Chapter to be on board for this wonderful event,” she said.
Brother James Saturday of Missionaries of the Poor, speaking on behalf of all charities, thanked the KCR for its support for the homeless.
“The KRC is very generous to us, your contribution will enable us to help our brothers and sisters. Without your generosity and support all this would not be possible… the Missionaries of the Poor has seven houses and have more than 500 residents with three meals each day and countless nights, so you can know what our expenses are like,” he said.
Among those attending the launch were Minister of State for tourism and entertainment Damion Crawford, Alan Beckford, race director of the Kingston City Run; Maurice Bryan, marketing and promotion co-ordinator of the KCR; Olympians Nesta Carter and Shericka Williams.
The Jamaica Observer is a sponsor of the event.