VietNamNet Bridge – The first ever Project Happy Feet Slipper Race, which will aim to raise funds for the education and training of underprivileged children, in HCMC has been rescheduled from October 21 until early next year due to red tape.

‘Happy Feet Slipper Race’ comes to Vietnam

The event KOTO, the local co-organizer for the fund-raising walk performed in slippers (flip flops) and Project Happy Feet, the Singapore-based originator of this event, jointly made this decision in view that more time is required for the approval of the necessary permit for the event to be held.

 “We apologize for any inconveniences caused to our sponsors, participants, volunteers and supporters who have made plans to attend the event on 21 October,” Deborah Chew, co-founder of Project Happy Feet, said in a statement. “It is most regrettable to have to move to the date especially when everything is all set for go, but we must act responsibly and respectfully,” she added.

“We are working with the authorities towards getting the permit for the event to be held next year. In the meantime, we will be contacting every registrant to inform them that the event will be moved to a later date and provide assistance to them in any way we can,” said Jimmy Pham, founder of KOTO.

The organizers encourage supporters to hold on to the tickets they purchased for admission to the race when it takes place next year. The organizers will also assist with a full refund. More information and enquiries can be sent to viethung.lam@koto.com.au.

For the purpose of transparency and accountability, all funds collected will be displayed on www.phusongyeuthuong.org.

The cost of Project Happy Feet Slipper Race will be underwritten by sponsorship so that 100% of registration fees and outright donations collected will go towards KOTO Foundation, Vietnam Association for Protection of Children Rights (VAPCR), and Loreto Vietnam-Australia program (LVAP).

“We hope to seek the patience and understanding of organizations and individuals, and more importantly, their support as we strive together to go the distance for the education of underprivileged children in our community,” added Pham.

VietNamNet/SGT