Every once in a while, life gives us the opportunity to #MakeADifference

Every once in a while, life gives us the opportunity to #MakeADifference. Never hesitate. We all move forward through the kindness of others

— Ronnie Baticulon (@ronibats) June 8, 2014

Last weekend, we have running friends who took the opportunity to make a difference, not only for their selves but for others.

Saturday. After their Dagan Para sa Kalikupan the previous weekend which successfully gathers 3000 seedlings, Cebu Climate Change Association Inc (CCCAI) had one of their regular mangrove planting (and maintenance) at Tungkil, Minglanilla, Cebu but this time, a few runners had joined them. Read on “2nd Planting of Mangrove Trees for the Community of Brgy. Tungkil, Minglanilla” here >> to know more about the event, and also to learn the importance of mangrove trees.

If you want to be a part of CCCAI’s future activities, you can check their fb group here >>.

Photo from Soybitz Rebojo

Sunday. More or less 200 runners flocked the Regional Bank Center to donate blood. But before they donated blood, they had to run. The free Run to Donate a Blood, spearheaded by the CUC President Tony Galon (who just came a from the successful first leg of KMK Ultramarathon series), originally just set to gather 50 bags of blood. But the sheer amount of support the runners gave, they were able to gather 63 bags.

Here are some experiences / thoughts of the runners of the Run to Donate a Blood:

“Sir Tony and I were the last to donate blood yesterday, and we are happy to report that we have successfully gathered 63 blood bags! Yes, napaksit nato ang atong target nga 50 bags. Maglipay kita mga kadugo! It’s a proud proud moment sa atong initiative sa pagtabang. Kini nga dugo dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa mga pasyente ug sa mga hospital nga nanginahanglan.”

via Lester Tabada, 1 Run to Donate a Blood.

Photo from Ulachika Letcheburetcheng Rampage

Jodel Caneda Seville of Team ADR conquered his fear for a bigger cause.

Photo from Jodel Caneda Seville

The contenders for the All-Couples Ultra Marathoners, Dennis (Salimuang Runner) & Ivy (Panyo Runner), and Ermin (finisher of recent KMK Leg 1 100K) and Arlene Pepito were also there to support.

“daghana maka benefit ani sa pasyente sa VCMC labi na sa Dialysis Center…I know how hard it is to find blood cause I have been there. I hope we can have a 4 run to donate blood per year!”

via Dennis Igloria, Run to Donate a Blood.

Photo by Ulachika Letcheburetcheng Rampage

“Tony C. Galon….MORE POWER to you sir ,indeed you have done a big favor to the indigent patients.I have seen even a handful of people getting their blood supply from the CENTER. even on a Sunday We are indeed lucky that we are not one of those who were on cue.With the good check list of several requirements to be able to donate made me proud to have at least a CLEAN BILL of health.,,See you soon Sir!. ..and WOW 63 BLOOD BAGS….”

via 2 John Chade Alcano, Run to Donate a Blood.

Photo by Ulachika Letcheburetcheng Rampage

“Ng dahil sa yellow shirt naisog ko to counter my fear of needles…my fav color man gud & nicr pa jud ang fabric.dah! Nawala lagi ang talaw.nakuhaan jud ug dugo & it s worth trying.expert pod au ang mga med tech sa DOH oi.gaan au mga kamot with tlc pag extract sa blood.wala jud sakit. I called them “blood suckers”.hehehe.”joke only” thanks DOH staffFrom their dra & all the staffs they are so friendly & accomodating pod au.”

via Efren Palma, Run to Donate a Blood.

EVEN1 provided 100 free shirts to the event.

Photo from Marly Busa

Even those who cannot donate share their happy sentiments of the event:

“Glad my friends donated Blood today and were able to gather 63 bags, imagine the help they could extend to unknown people. They were not paid for it. Salute to these HEROES. And most of them are runners. Unfortunately, i cant donate. But i helped in a small way perhaps.”

via Jez Ramos, president Team ADR.

Tony Galon and the group will have more Run to Donate Blood series. To keep posted, check their page here >>.

Photo from Tony Galon

*Featured Photo from Ulachika Letcheburetcheng Rampage, more photos of Run to Donate Blood at her album here >>.

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Posted by:

Rose Buenconsejo. A runner who runs after runners, and their stories, and her dream to become a NEDBANK.
Promo Girl, runroo.com
View her aktib race calendar >>

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