THE 32nd staging of the annual Heart Foundation of Jamaica/Welch’s Heart Health Fund Run will take place on November 27 at the National Stadium East fieldfrom 7:00 to 11:00 am.

This event, which was launched at the Altamont Court Hotel yesterday and focuses on healthy living and promoting good health to aid in the fight against heart disease, is seeking to raise funds to assist in the maintenance of medical equipment.

According to Heart Foundation’s Deborah Chen, over the years they have received equipment through donations, but noted that many of them now need repairing.

“We need spare parts for them; some of them need reagents that will enable them to work… so this (fund) will enable us to maintain the services or to buy new machines,” she said.

“… The Heart Foundation see more than 70,000 people a year and… the equipment from time to time gets worn out, so this will be much needed and appreciated funds,” she told the Observer.

The Heart Fund Run is not a competitive race or marathon, but rather, a sponsored walk, jog or run for companies, schools, group, individuals and families, with an emphasis on health.

The main prizes for the event will go to the group with the largest team who collects the most sponsorship.

Hillel had the largest school team and sponsorship last year, while IBM had the largest company team and BNS the most sponsorship.

After registering on the morning of the event and then completing the laps, each team will be presented with a Heart Foundation certificate that will state participation and the number of laps completed.

There will also be additional activities to add fun and excitement to the event, such as tug-of-war and questions-and-answers of the heart, after laps are finished.

Meanwhile, Sports Minister Olivia Grange said since its inception over 40 years ago, the Heart Foundation has become a very important organisation.

“This Fund Run is a very… worthwhile and important annual activity… and so I’m happy to give my very personal endorsement… because the Heart Foundation is one of those national organisations that has been making a difference in Jamaica,” she said.

Joffia Johnson-Bell, brand manager of Welch’s WISYNCO Group, which is in its fifth year as sponsor of the event, said the health food drink has made a perfect partnership with the Heart Foundation.

“This (partnership) has been extremely beneficial because the Heart Foundation has been really organised in what they put out for the public to learn about heart diseases.

“We have worked really well with them and the message I think has been well received over the years,” she stated.