CAS Project

'RUN FOR RAINBOW' CHARITY RUN

Creativity, Activity, & Service

CAS learning outcomes: 

"Strength & Growth"

"Challenge & Skills"

"Initiative & Planning"

"Working collaboratively with others"

"Showing perseverence and commitment"

"Global engagement"

"Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions"

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Investigation:

In our quest to organize a charity run, we embarked on a journey of investigation. Our initial goal was to understand how marathons and charity runs operate, so we decided to attend the Amazing Thailand Run in December 2022. The experience left us astonished as we realized the immense amount of work involved in executing an event of this nature. It became evident that we needed to conduct thorough research to ensure our own run's success.

Preparation:

With newfound knowledge and minimal experience, we began the preparations for our charity run in November 2022. We deliberated on various ideas but acknowledged our lack of expertise in organizing such an event. As a first step, we aimed to establish a club dedicated to supporting a single charitable organization. Our vision was to focus on aiding children with disabilities, so we embarked on the search for a suitable local organization in Thailand that aligned with our cause. After considerable effort, we discovered the 'Christian Care Foundation for Children with Disabilities' (CCD). Eager to collaborate, we scheduled a meeting with CCD in January 2022 to present our marathon idea. Fortunately, they embraced our proposal wholeheartedly, offering their support throughout the journey.

Action:

To make our charity run a reality, we needed to tackle several key factors. Determining the distance, we settled on a 5-kilometer run. However, finding a venue proved to be our first major challenge. Initially considering a public park, we realized the extensive permissions and paperwork required would be impractical given our time constraints. Fortuitously, we reached out to Thai-Sikh International School (TSIS), presenting our charity run concept. After patiently awaiting their response, TSIS graciously offered us their grounds free of charge, an opportunity we gratefully accepted. With the venue secured, we directed our efforts toward promotion. Utilizing various channels, including local communities, online platforms, and personal connections, we advertised the run through posters, announcements, and other means of outreach. We also created online registration forms and charged an entry fee of THB 250 to cover expenses. Additionally, we diligently sought sponsors, delivering persuasive pitches to secure their support.

Reflection:

Following the conclusion of the run, we meticulously reviewed the accounts and were astounded by the outcome. Our efforts had generated a surplus of over THB 80,000, exceeding our wildest expectations. This incredible achievement not only brought us immense satisfaction but also filled CCD's team with delight. In recognition of their invaluable assistance, we visited CCD's 'Rainbow House,' the inspiration behind the name of our run. It was there that we made the decision to allocate the surplus funds toward funding CCD's annual trip for the disabled children to Ayutthaya and repairing their roof. Reflecting upon this entire experience, it is difficult to express in mere words the depth of fulfillment we experienced. Although it was undeniably a challenging and demanding endeavor, the rewards far surpassed our expectations.

Demonstration:

On the 12th of February 2023, our vision materialized as we successfully hosted the charity run. The event garnered the participation of approximately 150 individuals, including 120 registered participants, 10 dedicated volunteers, and 20 individuals from CCD. The funds raised surpassed our initial goals, enabling us to make a significant impact on CCD and the lives of the disabled children they support. Our commitment to running for the disabled had come to fruition, leaving us with a lasting sense of pride and accomplishment.