TABANAN, Bali (BPN) – The long-distance walk for a cause in collaboration and with the blessing of the Royal Palace of Kerambitan was focused on mass producing and distributing nutritious food for the most vulnerable communities in Bali.
On 21st May 2022, more than 50 international hikers and runners gather around Puri Anyar (Royal Palace) of Kerambitan at 6.00 am to start their challenging 5 km, 15 km, and 25 km track journey in the hot Balinese heat with one goal, to support the fundraising effort.
The hike itself sprawled through the villages of Kerambitan, down to the dense jungles of Tabanan, through the Yeh Ho river, across the cascading rice fields, and finally ended at Kelating beach to enjoy a much-deserved BBQ party and Bintang beers.
A royal gala dinner on the 22nd of May was hosted by the Royal Palace of Kerambitan, an evening full of delicious traditional food, music, and dance.
“We are thrilled to partner with SOS to help organize the Million Meals March 2022. We are mostly farmers here, a stark difference from our neighbors in the South which are overflowing with tourists. Besides supporting the good initiative of SOS Indonesia, we are mostly happy that through this event people come to visit us, enjoy the beauty of our village and nature and get to know our culture,” said Anak Agung Ngurah Agung Bagus Erawan, the King of Royal Palace Kerambitan.
An amazing amount of funds was raised through sponsorships, donations, auction bidding, and crowdfunding participants.
The majority of more than 50 participants were able to raise significantly more than the minimum funds required. All the funds raised will be converted to nutritious meals in support of Balinese families severely impacted by the pandemic.
The first plan was to use the funds to support the elderly to commemorate National Elderly Day on 29th May 2022. The remaining funds will be allocated to the most vulnerable communities all over Bali.
“It is difficult to map the location of the most vulnerable communities in Bali but we can say that we are pretty good at it,” said Bo Holmgreen, founder of SOS.
“The pandemic has hit Bali hard, some found ways to navigate through the difficulties and have managed to survive, but some have not. This is where the SOS role is needed the most, to help those who are not able to survive. This month was pretty busy for us. Prior to the event, we have helped people in East Java to celebrate Eid Al Fitr by distributing 100,000 care packages in Jenak, Banyubiri, Beduk, Embung Pandean, Sukorejo, Ngerancang, and Pohsluku villages on the 6th and 7th of May and 30,000 in Songan Village, Kintamani, Bali on 20th May,” he added.
Participants of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds who share the same passion to help the communities in need in Bali, have participated in the event, including kids and the elderly.
The winner of the 25 km race was Ong Hoa Tan, a 76-year-old lady, and the fastest in the children category was 7-year-old Frankie.
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