Arpin Charitable Fund Inc, also known as Arpin Strong, has raised $5,615 in its second annual 5K Run & Walk event.

Proceeds from the event were donated to the Global Institute For Transformation (GIFT), a Connecticut-based nonprofit organisation that connects under-resourced populations with businesses that provide them with technology, smart farming, and renewable energy programmes. Another beneficiary, The Village Link (TVL), based in California, works to provide access to quality education and healthcare and build self-sustaining communities in rural Sierra Leone.

More than 100 running enthusiasts from the Americas, EMEA and APAC regions competed in the race in person or virtually.

At the close of the event, Arpin Strong’s Vice President, Karen Bannon, expressed gratitude to all those who helped make this year’s race a great success. “We rise by lifting others. We look to the future with great hope as we’ve witnessed firsthand the lives transformed when given a hand-up. It was an honour to contribute to helping GIFT and TVL further their beneficial work in Sierra Leone, Haiti, Malawi and the Philippines,” said Karen.

Of the funds raised, $3,744 was split equally between GIFT and TVL. The remaining funds will support other nonprofit organisations and continue Arpin Strong's regular monthly donations to various charities.

Timothy Maurer and Colleen Rossignol, GIFT and TVL Board members respectively, ran in the local event. Overjoyed with the results, they thanked everyone who participated. As a result, monies raised will have an immediate impact on helping people who are hungry and struggling economically around the world. 

Photo: Arpin team members, left to right, Charlie Seelig, Dianna Shaw and Dayne Stewkesbury.