Kuala Lumpur, 29 October 2022 – After two years of not being able to run in full physically, IMU’s biggest and longest running flagship project – IMU Chariofare Charity Run-Carnival made a strong full-scale comeback this year with a big crowd turnout and an exhilarating carnival.
Almost 900 runners including IMU staff and students and their families, professional and amateur runners, corporate and community partners as well as the general public participated in the run. Meanwhile, the carnival saw more than 1,500 attendees enjoying exciting foods, arts & craft, games and family-friendly activities at more than 70 booths.
Themed “Voyage in Unity”, Chariofare this year aimed to celebrates the unity of people from all walks of life, across different age groups and social backgrounds, to lend a helping hand for the betterment of our community, especially during these tough times. Despite numerous post-pandemic limitations and economic uncertainties, this year Chariofare successfully raised a total of RM100,000 through the overwhelming support of over 20 sponsors, well-wishers as well as IMU students and staff through their booth sales. The funds were raised towards three causes which will be contributing to the sustainability of three benefitting NGOs, including:
Children with Special Needs
Cued Speech School was established in 1988 by the National Society for the Deaf Malaysia. In line with IMU Cares’ Breaching the Silence Programme in building IMU as the first deaf-aware university, IMU Cares has been working closely with the school in providing the necessary healthcare services to the deaf children, addressing issues, research and improving the gaps between the deaf community with healthcare professionals.
Mental Health and Wellness
Mind Matters Network (MMN) is a youth platform that brings together youths from across universities, colleges and schools to advocate for mental health. It is an initiative by youths, with youths, for youths guided by a team of professionals championing mental health with a special focus on youth representation and peer support. MMN has reached more than 2,500 people in 14 states across Malaysia through 33 partnering institutions.
Women of Domestic Violence and Abuse
Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) aim to end violence against women and promote gender equality in Malaysia. WAO set up Malaysia’s first domestic violence shelter, and today, they are the largest service provide for domestic violence survivors in Malaysia. IMU Cares has been working with WAO in various initiatives including digital literacy and entrepreneurship programme for women, aiming towards empowering and building a resilience in the community.
The funds raised will also be benefitting IMU Humanitarian Aid Fund. Since 2012, IMU Humanitarian Aid Fund has assisted and improved the lives of more than 10,000 underprivileged individuals in the community nationwide by providing essentials including medical treatment and equipment as well as through our emergency relief during disasters.
Gracing the event was former Member of Parliament for Seputeh (including Bukit Jalil area) and former Minister of Primary Industries, YB Teresa Kok. “IMU through its IMU Cares has been playing instrumental roles in developing a better society. IMU is truly the Pulse of the Community and as a former MP, my constituency office is very proud to have IMU at the heart of my constituency continuing to work with us to address social issues together and build better lives for all”.
More than 900 participants from as young as 9 years old to 65 years old participated in ten categories ranging from a 3km Fun Run (Costume Run) to 10km men, women and team challenge. The Chariofare day started earlier in the morning with a warm-up session led by student representative. The runners at 10KM categories were flagged off by Prof Abdul Aziz Baba, Vice-Chancellor of IMU at 6:30 a.m., followed by 5KM categories by Prof Khoo Suan Phaik, Advisor of Chariofare Committee and Dean for Community Engagement at 6:45 a.m. The 3KM Fun Run – Costume Run were flag off the last at 7:00 a.m. Runners went home with medals and goodies, whilst top five winners went home with hampers. Additionally, 10km runners in Men’s and Women’s brought home watches courtesy of Thong Sia Sdn Bhd.
The carnival which took place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the IMU campus in Bukit Jalill, was officiated by YB Teresa Kok, Prof Abdul Aziz Baba, Prof Khoo Suan Phaik and Edwin Yap Sin Fook from MSIG, the Diamond Sponsor of Chariofare 2022 with drum hitting, echoing the drumbeat.
The energetic ‘drum circle’ continued in a rhythm of unity.
Furthermore, a total of 70 booths were set up ranging from food and beverage stalls, healthcare products and services, games and activities. Besides IMU community, social enterprises, external vendors as well as corporate partners were also involved in opening their booths. Popular booths include the thrilling “Haunted Escape”, bouncing castle at “Kidz Paradise”, arts and culture zones as well as music busking. Visitors to the fair also had the chance to attend health screening activities including dental, chiropractic, general health and eye screening for a minimal fee.
Aside from food, fun and games, carnival visitors were treated to an array of performances by IMU talents as well as lucky draw prizes.
“The IMU Chariofare 2022 Committee would like to express our deepest gratitude to all our sponsors for the continuous support for Chariofare. Thank you for believing in the work we are doing and continue to do together for the greater good.”
The IMU Chariofare committee acknowledges and appreciates the collaboration and contribution by all the sponsors and the support from IMU staff and students.
