Sea of Red. Red Cross unites people and communities in its bid to save lives.

Helping Hand. Red Cross reaches out to anyone in need of care.

With the Million Volunteer Run 2, Red Cross aims to vamp the number of 143 volunteers in communities all over the country.

Many people go out for a run every day. Young or old, tall or short, none of it really matters as long as the sweat keeps dripping and the miles keep mounting.

One thing that does matter is why. However unique an individual’s reason is for getting into running, it is important because it pushes them to take step after step to go even farther.

If personal agenda can motivate a person to run, then doing it to save the lives of others wouldn’t be a problem. This is what the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) aims to achieve as they compel runners and non-runners alike to participate in a run that saves lives.

Come February 10, The Red Cross Million Volunteer Run envisions a sea of red as it hopes to attract a million runners to participate in this run for the ultimate cause. “We want to bring together, in the spirit of volunteerism, as many Filipinos from as many sectors of Philippine society as possible to cope with and help mitigate the risk of disasters and saves lives,” says PRC governor Mabini Pablo.

This second installment of the Million Volunteer Run aims to be bigger and better than the last one as it will simultaneously hold events at key cities all over the country including provinces like Pangasinan, Catanduanes, and Cebu.

Two of these events will be held in Manila, one will start from the CCP Complex in Pasay City and finish at the Quirino Grandstand. The other will be held at the Quezon City Memorial Circle and would run around the Elliptical Road and along Commonwealth Avenue. Categories for the Manila Leg include a 3-kilometer and a 5-kilometer course.

Through the MVR2, the PRC hopes to add to its network of volunteers, a pressing need considering the country’s constant exposure to disasters and calamities. “We want to eventually convert runners into a dynamic and dedicated network of volunteers who are always first, always ready, always there,” PRC chairman Richard Gordon said in a statement. “The MVR is, in itself, a test run and a microcosm of how PRC can mobilize volunteers in times of disaster,” Gordon added.

Aside from creating awareness, MVR2 hopes to gather as many resources as possible to help continue PRCs ceaseless humanitarian efforts. One major project that the PRC is currently conducting is the recruitment drive RC 143. “The reason why we’re hosting the event this close to Valentine’s Day is because of the number 143. It refers to the Red Cross 143 program wherein we hope to have 44 trained volunteers, one team leader and 43 members, to be the first responders, our first line of defense in times of disasters and emergencies in every barangay, school, or workplace.” Pablo explains.

For those having a hard time finding the motivation to lace up and run, perhaps the prospect of saving others might just be reason enough to get up and go. After all, it’s the way we care not only for ourselves but for each other’s welfare that makes us human.

For more information on the Red Cross Million Voluteer Run 2, visit their website at www.run.redcross.org.ph or like their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MillionVolunteerRun.