Pave the Wave: UnionBank’s Charity Run Raises Over ₱235,000 for Underserved Communities
By: Martina Lucero
UnionBank, in collaboration with the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, hosted the “Pave the Wave” Charity Run last October 12 at Arcovia, Pasig City. The event successfully raised over ₱235,000 to support educational initiatives for underserved communities, providing school boats and essential resources to children in remote areas of the Philippines. Organized by Claire Bernardo from UnionBank’s Consumer Affairs Group and her friends, the run was part of the Bank’s GoBeyond Communities (GBC) program, which empowers employees to lead impactful community projects, with UnionBank supplying the necessary funding and support to bring these ideas to fruition.
The charity run drew 180 runners from both UnionBank and the general public. An additional 25 UnionBank volunteers also contributed their time to ensure the event ran smoothly, managing logistics and ensuring the safety of participants. In return, they earned GBC participation points, an incentive that encourages UnionBankers to get involved in giving back.
The day started at 5:00 AM with registration and singlet distribution, followed by the official start of the run at 6:00 AM. Participants chose between a 3-kilometer or 5-kilometer route, with some runners walking, and others bringing their pets along for a morning of fun.
Volunteers lined the route to offer support, while the emcees frequently thanked sponsors for their contributions throughout the race. At the finish line, participants were greeted with loot bags filled with snacks, vouchers, and plush toys, as well as informational materials about the foundation’s mission.
A post-race raffle added to the excitement, with prizes including gift certificates, New Balance sunglasses worth ₱5,000, and free swimming lessons.
Claire, the event’s organizer, reflected on the event’s success, noting how a small birthday idea evolved into something much bigger. “What started as a simple plan to organize a community run for my birthday transformed into a real charity event,” she said, adding that the collective efforts of her friends, sponsors, volunteers, and the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation were crucial in surpassing their fundraising goals. She also mentioned that in addition to raising money, participants were encouraged to donate gently-worn shoes, extending the event’s impact.
Claire emphasized that this experience reminded her of the power of community and the importance of taking action when opportunities to help arise. “This event truly embodied the spirit of Magis,” she said, referring to the value of going above and beyond for the benefit of others, which is also one of UnionBank’s core values.
The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation expressed their gratitude for the initiative, with Patty, a representative of the foundation, commenting that it was the first time a running event had been organized in their name.
In an Instagram post made by the foundation, they said, “This run goes beyond a simple charity event. It’s about paving the way to provide essential resources for children in underserved areas,” adding that the passion and commitment shown by participants and volunteers alike were inspiring.
Through GoBeyond Communities, UnionBank continues to channel the collective passion of its employees into community-focused initiatives, creating sustainable programs that enhance the well-being of underserved communities.