Walkathon adds to Philippines flood relief

At least 5,000 people of many nationalities participate in a 3.5km walkathon for the flood victims of the Philippines.

The 3.5km Walk for Life Flood Relief at Dubai's Safa park was organised to raise money for the flood victims in the Philippines.

DUBAI // They began arriving at 6am, armed with water bottles, snacks and trainers, and by the time the gates of Safa Park opened at 7.30am, the queue for "Hakbang Buhay" ("Walk for Life") snaked through the car park and out of view. At least 5,000 people, of many nationalities, but predominantly Filipino, filtered into the park yesterday morning to participate in a 3.5km walkathon for the flood victims of the Philippines. As the first walkers set off around 8.30am, hundreds of men, women and children continued to queue at registration desks. Among them was Rachel Midel, 32, her husband, Marciano, 33, and their two sons, Markus Ian, nine months, and Mart Francis, two.

"We wanted to show our support to all of the victims of the typhoon in our home country; it's our way of doing something," said Mrs Midel, who works in retail. Each walker paid Dh50 to register, receiving a commemorative T-shirt and a bottle of water. The money will go through the UAE Red Crescent Authority to the Philippine National Red Cross. [e-mail]