Helping hand to a friend: Virtual fund-raising event ‘Run for a Better Future’

Organised by Hyderabad-based NGO Balamitra Foundation, the event is for a cause

Come October 22, Class XI students across India can indulge in fun and fitness programmes to support students of Zilla Parishad schools that includes a high school at Billalavalasa and primary schools from villages of Ippalavalasa, Bhagiradhipuram, Kondalaveru, Korlam, Badam, Kunchigumadam and Siriyalapeta, in Merakamudidam mandal of Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh. The virtual fund-raising event ‘Run for a Better Future’ organised by Hyderabad-based NGO Balamitra Foundation extends support by way of books, sports equipment, art kits, scholarships, vidya volunteer support and menstrual hygiene management. There are also plans to provide digital access to the students of Heal School, Vijayawada. The five day event is from October 22 to October 26.

The Foundation started five years ago with a goal to have young adults lead the fundraising and volunteering activities. “The intent was to help children help their peers from the less-privileged background,” informs Chandrika Kanumuri, managing trustee of the Foundation. The first event, a 5k Run in 2019 at Gachibowli stadium Hyderabad, had a student council leading from the front. Funds from the entry fee and registration (for ₹ 500) were used to buy sports equipment, library books, menstrual hygiene kits.