The first-ever Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2013 held outside of Singapore and in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam was a success.
More than 1,500 participants and hundreds of volunteers showed up on Sunday, 17 March 2013, wearing colourful tops, party hats, and slippers to complete a 3km walk in the Phy My Hung area of District 7.
This edition of the event, which originated in Singapore, was co-organized by Project Happy Feet, Sport Center of District 7, and KOTO. By the day of the event, 90 million vnd was raised for the education of underprivileged school children of Vietnam with organisers hoping for more from the on going donation appeal.
In line with the operating philosophy of Project Happy Feet, 100% of all proceeds collected from the registration fees and outright donations will go towards the appointed beneficiaries. For PHFSR HCMC 2013, the beneficiaries are KOTO, Vietnam Association for Protection of Children Rights (VNPCR) and Loreto Vietnam – Australia Program (LVAP. Each organisation will receive 50%, 25% and 25% of the funds raised respectively to fund education and training related programmes benefitting underprivileged children and youths they support.
Getting ready for the eventThe limited edition of HAPPY for PHFSR HCMC 2013 - a big hit with participantsRehearsing the moves before the participants arriveParticipants collect their race tagsParticipants gather near the stage, getting ready for the eventMore than 1,500 people showed up for the eventPHF team from Singapore receiving a warm welcome from participants. Founding member and volunteer Lin Kuek shares about PHF and the significance of PHFSRPHF Volunteer Lin Kuek presenting bouquets in appreciation of Celebrity Ambassadors of PHFSR HCMC 2013 for their supportVietnamese celebrities get the party going! Celebrities include Dinh Huong (Top 10 of The Voice Vietnam 2012), MC Tran Thanh (Emcee, Actor, Singer), Dang Khoi (R&B Singer), Rapper Karik, Tri Minh (leader of All The Way Live Vietnam dance crew). Sports Channel Host and celebrity Thien Vu was the emcee for the eventVIPs, sponors, celebrities, and PHF Team Singapore launch the start of the first-ever Project Happy Feet Slipper Race Ho Chi Minh CityGoing the distance!Volunteers from Universities as motivators. They add lots of great cheer to the atmosphere!Mr Duong Hung, Vice President of Bitis, (gentleman in the centre) a major sponsor for the event, going the distance with the 1,500 participantsHand in hand in making a differenceEven man's best friend is out to make a difference!Students from various universities play a big part in the success of the eventWe walk together to fundraise for underprivileged childrenHaving fun while doing good!Walking the 3km route in District 7 of Ho Chi Minh CityBanners for PHFSR HCMC 2013 line the streetOur trademark HAPPY fans make an appearance in Ho Chi Minh City - and participants love it! Going the distance togetherPHFSR is a colourful affair!Co-founder and Director of PHF Deborah Chew presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Duong Hung, Vice President, Bitis, for his organisation's generous supportAll together now: Emcee for the day Mr Thien Vu; Ms Grace Chia and Deborah Chew, co-founders and directors of PHF; Mr Jimmy Pham, Executive Director of KOTO; Ms Thuy Chung (Milestone Communications), Mr Dang, leader of SMILE crew, Mr Tuan Anh (Zipit); a recipient; Mr Hieu Thuan (photographer); Mark Stennett (photographer); Mr Truong, Volunteer Leader; Mr Khac Sy (Videographer); and representative from Chinh Nhan Electronic ShopVolunteers who made it all possible!
Project Happy Feet would like to thank the following for their support for a successful Project Happy Feet Slipper Race Ho Chi Minh City 2013:
Celebrity Ambassadors for encouraging their fans to join in the event, for being our voice, and for performing and bringing up the atmospher:
Thien Vu (Sports Presenter on TV / 60s News Presenter on HTV)
Dinh Huong: Top 10 of The Voice Vietnam 2012
MC Tran Thanh: Emcee, Actor, Singer. Won “The Perfect Couple” Game Show on Vietnam TV station
Mr Tri Minh, leader of the All The Way Live Vietnam crew (All The Way Live Vietnam – professional Hip Hop dance crew)
Rapper Karik – Professional rapper
Dang Khoi – R&B Singer (“The Winter Girl”)
All sponsors, volunteers, media friends, and participants for making the event so memorable!
