On March 1, 2025, the Charity Fun Run hosted by HFI was successfully held in Guangzhou Shuimo Garden as the last part of the 11th International Day. The Guangzhou International Bio Island welcomed nearly 500 participants, including HFI current students, alumni, parents of both groups, teachers, children and staff from the Guangzhou Social Welfare Institute, and caring people from all walks of life, gathering here to show love toward the community by running.

The International Day charity series has been dedicated to cultivating students' social responsibility and humanistic concern since 2014, and it has always stood as a vivid interpretation of the school's “holistic education”. It has raised over 5.5 million yuan for the Guangzhou Social Welfare Institute and has helped many children from the welfare institute.

As usual, the event included two categories: A professional half-marathon team competition and an 8-kilometer fun run. While most people participated in the fun run, our academic principal Mr. Hearn and many professional and enthusiastic runners took part in the half-marathon competition. Also, about 30 children from the welfare institute joined the fun run, including two special participants completing the race with the help of volunteers.

Even though the event officially started at 7:30 AM, most participants were so excited that they arrived early to get settled in and take photos. After distributing materials and checking in, runners in dark blue race uniforms were all drowning in the joy of the upcoming race. At 8:20 AM, Troy, the PE teacher from the KC campus, hosted the opening ceremony and guided everyone in a warm-up session. His passion for sports definitely inspired many participants since the atmosphere started to buzz with energy right after his speech.

From 8:35 AM to 8:55 AM, several representatives gave their speeches. Noticeably, Principal Zhu expressed his excitement for the event and emphasized how important this event has been for HFI students, teachers, and parents. Later, Yuan Derun, Deputy Director of the Guangzhou Social Welfare Institute, talked about the eleven-year partnership with HFI. The funds raised by these charity activities have enhanced the welfare institute’s facilities, such as the basketball courts, which improved the sense of satisfaction of the children living in the welfare house.

After the speeches, a memorable group picture was taken. As the drone soared into the sky, everyone looked up, raised their hands in “V” signs or gave thumbs-up, and smiled brightly. “You couldn’t imagine how excited I was at that moment unless you were going to run too!” An interviewee said.

The clock soon struck nine, and the professional group sprang into action. At 9:15, the fun run group followed. The exhausting run lasted for hours and didn’t finish until 12:00. Both groups surely sweated it out on the track while enjoying the happiness that exercise brought. With each step, we measured the beauty of spring; with each drop of sweat, we shared the warmth of kindness.

This charity event goes far beyond the simple act of running. It not only provides an opportunity for students to physically surpass themselves, but also urges them to think deeply about their role as members of society and contribute to the community in a minor aspect. More importantly, unlike other running competitions, the HFI Charity Run bonds alumni, parents, students, and children in the Guangzhou Social Welfare Institute and compassionate residents together. Through running and competition, kind hearts are linked and a sense of shared responsibility is instilled. Every encouragement, every smile and every step shows how small, collective actions can bring about real changes in the lives of others and create huge warmth, breaking the stereotype that doing charity is inaccessible to students or ordinary people.

By exploring Guangzhou International Bio Island and contributing to charity by footsteps, the HFI Charity Run leaves an impressive mark on everyone, and fulfills the connotation of "Blessed to Share, Running for Love!”

Writer: Evangel Tu, Yoyo Zeng

Editor: Emily Tang