The annual Hanoi Run for Children 2012 will take place at Thien Quang Lake , Hanoi on December 2.

Addressing a press briefing in Hanoi on November 27, Canadian Ambassador Deborah Chatsis said her embassy is pleased to cooperate with partners in Vietnam to provide support to disadvantaged children through the event.

The activity will also contribute to promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the Canadian and Vietnamese people, as both countries look forward to celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2013, she added.

Initially part of the Terry Fox Run, the event became the Hanoi Run for Children in 2009 with a view to attracting more participation and financial support to provide direct treatment to sick children from underprivileged families.

The event attracts between 5,000 and 7,000 participants, and raises around 1 billion VND every year. Proceeds from the 2009 and 2010 runs have helped 70 child heart patients come back to normal life.

The 2011 edition of the Run for children was attended by 7,000 participants and raised 1.1 billion VND. The money is being used to fund treatments for poor children at the Hospital of Pediatrics, the Hanoi Heart Hospital and the Heart Beat Vietnam Programme.-VNA