The highly anticipated annual Orchid Run event by the Association of Wives and Women Employees of PETRONAS (PETRONITA) returns this year with the theme “Step Up to Inspire”, aimed at supporting mental health whilst promoting a healthy lifestyle. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep the nation, its 6th edition will take the form of a virtual run where participants are required to complete a 15km run and achieve a target of 20,000 steps at their convenience between 5th December and 13th December 2020.
Organised in collaboration with BookDoc app, the primary objective of the virtual Orchid Run is to raise funds for the Malaysia Mental Health Association (MMHA). The funds will be contributed to schools with the aim of better equipping the teachers in managing the students’ mental health needs by upskilling them with Mental Health Aid. The contribution allows MMHA to support schools in focusing on the necessary interventions to improve social connections amongst students and the environment they are in, particularly in the current pandemic situation.
“Despite the unprecedented challenges brought about by COVID-19, we can still find purpose in our lives and be supportive of one another. The virtual Orchid Run presents an opportunity for all Malaysians to come together and help support mental health whilst practicing a healthy lifestyle. Given the recent closure of schools and postponement of major examinations, there is a need to aid teachers with interventions to support students in overcoming the numerous anxieties they face. We believe the virtual Orchid Run can play its part as a practical intervention to support students and families during this stressful time,” said PETRONITA President, Puan Jemilia Md Jelas.
Coinciding with the virtual run, PETRONITA is also collaborating with PETRONAS’ Group Health, Safety, Security and Environment (GHSSE) for the Walk4Trees Challenge. For every step taken, PETRONAS will plant trees, with a target of 1 tree for 1 million steps. By having more trees, we can ensure that we will continue to have cleaner air to breathe and control climate change, which is an equally important element in maintaining good health and sustainability of the earth.
In realising this virtual sporting event, the Orchid Run is also supported by corporations, namely ConocoPhillips Malaysia, Mubadala Petroleum, Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad, PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad, as well as assistance from PETRONAS’ Division and Upstream Strategic Communications and Administration Department. All the support and contribution received will definitely make a big impact to the lives of the affected students.
For more information on the run or incase you or your company are interested in participating and support as contributors, please contact the organisers at
[email protected].
