Bert’s Auto Parts Marketing Manager Waynette Strachan says the inaugural charity 5K run exemplifies her company’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of families in need.

The 5K run, themed ‘Build with Bert’s,’ is set for October 1 at Emancipation Park, and Bert’s Auto Parts Foundation hopes to raise US$49,000 ($7.57 million) to benefit the Food For the Poor Housing Project. The monies are expected to be used to construct 10 dwellings for underprivileged Jamaicans.

Strachan stated at Tuesday’s unveiling, which was held at Bert’s Auto Parts on Molynes Road, that the charity is a part of continuous efforts to give back to Jamaica.

“It is because of the support of our customers why Bert’s is where it is at today. We feel like it’s only right that we serve our country through our corporate philanthropic effort which you are seeing now. We have always been doing this, we just didn’t highlight it and so what you are seeing now is merely press being added to what we are doing,” Strachan said.

“We intend to spread the love across Jamaica. We don’t have any locations for the houses as yet, but our able partner Food For the Poor will assist because we want to ensure that it benefits those who need it the most,” she added.

Food For the Poor is said to have constructed over 36,000 dwellings for needy Jamaicans throughout the years, and building 10 more houses is a welcome endeavour, according to the company’s executive director Craig Moss-Solomon.

“When Bert’s came back and said they want to do a 5K to raise money for 10 houses, that’s 10 lives that we will be able to change and make their living conditions more comfortable. I am really happy that we are teaming up with Bert’s Auto Parts on this and we hope Jamaica will come out and support because it is for a great cause,” Moss-Solomon said.

“I believe they will achieve their goal of 10 and if it exceeds the 10 houses, I will be more than humbled. So, our message to Jamaica is simply to come out and support us as we rebuild the love for Jamaica and Bert’s,” he stated.

At least 3,000 people are expected to attend the event. The registration cost is $2,000 each, and entries can be made at https://runningeventsja.com.