Fold origami paper cranes to help Japan disaster victims, runners urged

THE general public is requested to help support the Japan tsunami and earthquake victims by folding their origami paper cranes and posting them on the wall during the “One Thousand Cranes Run: Three Sixty Pharmacy Run for Japan” on May 22 at the Asiatown I.T. Park in barangay Apas, Cebu City.

The origami paper cranes will be given to supporters who donate any amount for the victims of Japan’s disasters.

Participants will then post the origami paper cranes on the wall with their ceremonial dedications and wishes.

Non-runners can also join.

An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years.

All donations from the origami paper cranes will be forwarded to the Japan Red Cross Society along with proceeds from the run.

Registration fees for the run include a limited edition Three Sixty Pharmacy jersey, race bib number and One Thousand Cranes canvas bag and goodies, map and refreshments at the finish line. Each registrant will also get a free personal accident insurance coverage of P50,000 that is valid until Jan. 15, 2012.

Run categories include the 3-k fun run, 6-k Open (male/female), 15-k Open (male/female), 100 meter and 200 meter kiddie dash.

Special awards include best in costume for male and female and the biggest delegation.

The race director, Runcheck.ph, is Cebu’s premier race manager.

Interested participants may register at Three Sixty Pharmacy Banilad, Persimmon-Mabolo, La Guardia-Lahug branches and Runnr in Ayala Center Cebu.