Hundreds run for charity

Hundreds of runners of all ages yesterday converged on Zurrieq to play their parts in Malta's Fun Run, which coincided with the 8th International Half Marathon.

Among the participants were Assistant Commissioner Michael Cassar, HSBC's CEO Shaun Wallis and Malta International Airport CEO Peter Bolech.

Originating in the US in 1999, the World Fun Run is held to raise funds for charity in many countries on the same day.

Caritas Malta hosted the event with the collaboration of the Zurrieq Wolves.

Sixteen HSBC staff members and their partners ran in the half marathon, also to raise funds for Caritas Malta.

Caritas Malta offers a wide spectrum of services to those most in need and includes the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Drug Users, the Foundation for Victims of Usury, Community Outreach through the Diaconia Unit, counselling and social work intervention, prevention education and awareness, and HelpAge.

Caritas assists various support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous. Caritas Malta's latest project, is the setting up of the Harm Reduction Shelter - a shelter for homeless people with drug abuse problems.

All these services are offered to the public for free.