Did you know that there are more than 21 million men, women and children that are trafficked into slavery? To date, it is the highest figure recorded, more than any other time in history. These victims are found in factories, construction sites, fisheries and sex venues that generate profits for their owners. Currently, the profits that come with this trade exceed USD150 billion annually.
Anti-slavery organisation, Running to Stop the Traffik (RTST) is a youth-led initiative to raise awareness and take a stand on modern-day slavery and more than 1000 runners from over 50 schools in Kuala lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore have been united to participate in the 24 Hour Race this year. Currently, there are more than 150,000 youths engaged in the race and more than HKD2,500,000 (RM1,051,705) have been raised for grassroots charities that directly disrupt the trade.
This year is Malaysia’s first time participating in The 24 Hour Race and the starting point will take place in Nexus international School, Putrajaya. In Hong Kong, the race will start in Lugard Road while Singapore’s starting point will be at Gardens By The Bay. Teams made up of 7-9 runners will run from 9am on 15th November to 9am the following day without a break.
Christopher Schrader, Chief Executive Officer of RTST said, “We can foresee that RTST has the opportunity to change the regional slavery situation in this year. For the first time, thousands of youths from across Asia will run at the same time on the same day to send a strong message to the world that the current slavery situation is unacceptable.”
Organisers are hoping to raise RM2,103,410 this year and quite a number of sponsors are part of the initiative. Renowned brands such as Rip Curl, Bain Capital, Kingdom Wear, Bud On Creation, SG Interactive, Lafuma and Kappa – to name a few – have come on board to support this noble cause.
According to Kasumi Higewake, Director of Running To Stop the Traffik KL Organising Committee and Head Student of Garden International School who spoke at the press conference last Friday in Putrajaya, funds raise from the 24 Hour Race in Malaysia will be donated to SUKA Society, a charity organisation that helps trafficked children through the use of art and play therapy.
Other beneficiaries in Asia include Freedom Matters, APPLE Cambodia, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and HOME Singapore, which performed grassroots prevention and rehabilitation work in Nepal, Northern India, Cambodia and Malaysia. Online donation are accepted through the Just Giving website, https://www.justgiving.com/company/runningtostopthetraffik/.
As part of the race, prizes will be awarded to the male, female and mixed teams that run the most laps in 24 hours as well as to those who show the greatest team spirit and raise the most funds.
More info about the race:
When: Commencing 9am, 15th to 16th November in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Singapore
Who: 20-‐30 school teams of 7-‐9 either male or female in each hosting city
What: Endurance relay race around Nexus International School (KL), Lugard Road (HK) and Silver Leaf in Gardens By The Bay (SG)
How: If you wish to participate or get involved in the race, please email kl@24hourrace.org or hello@24hourrace.org
