JOHOR BARU: Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd hopes to attract some 10,000 participants for its Harmony Run and Carnival to be held on Sept 16 and raise about RM1mil for charity.

Its general manager and the event’s organising chairman Steven Shum said the date was chosen in conjunction with Malaysia Day.

“We want to see Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity and religious beliefs, to come forward and participate in the event for a good cause,” he said.

Shum said apart from promoting racial harmony and a healthy lifestyle, proceeds from the event would be channelled to five non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

They are Fo Guang Shan and Buddha Light International Organisation, Kiwanis Care Heart Centre, Pusat Kebajikan Kalvari, Ark Care Centre and I-Care Cancer Support Association.

The NGOs are involved in community-based programmes and activities for the poor and underprivileged, including providing volunteer and after care services to senior citizens and cancer-stricken patients.

“It is an ambitious target to raise RM1mil from the event, but we believe there are many good hearted Malaysians including corporate bodies out there willing to do their part to reduce the financial strain of the NGOs,” he said.

Shum said the event was also in line with Tanah Sutera’s tag line, “Nurturing Communities”, where the company wanted to inspire the community on giving back to society.

Harmony Run and Carnival will be held at Sutera Square starting from 6am.

There are three categories – 5km route for individuals with a participating fee of RM50, 5km route for a group of four (RM180) and 10km route for individuals (RM70).

On top of the fun run, there will also be various booths, a flea market, car show and a variety of performances to entertain the crowd.

Registration for Harmony Run has started and will close on Aug 12.

For details, visit Facebook page Harmony Run 2017 or email harmonyrun2017@tanahsutera.com.