Bangkok--26 Dec--Mazda Sales
Mazda is proud to participate in the world-famous charity run by Artiwara "Toon" Kongmalai that has raised over Bt1 billion in cash to purchase equipment for 11 hospitals.
Artiwara, who is the singer of popular Thai rock band Bodyslam, started his "Kao Khon La Kao" (Take One Step Each) cross-country charity run on November 1 in Betong, Yala province, and finished in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai province, on December 25. The 55-day run from the South to North of Thailand covered a grueling distance of 2,191 kilometers.
While Artiwara's original target was to raise Bt700 million for 11 needy hospitals across the country and to improve public health through exercising, the famous rock star has raised more than Bt1 billion in donations.
Mazda is also committed to social responsibility, and last year ran the "FootSteps by MAZDA" television series on television Channel 5 which presented various angles of royally-initiated projects. In terms of sports promotion, Mazda have also maintained a high profile, being the main supporter of Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda FC in the Thai League.
Thee Permpongpanth, Senior Marketing Director of Mazda Sales (Thailand) Co. Ltd., said Mazda is delighted to become a part in Artiwara's charity run, which has become the largest social event of the year in Thailand in 2017. "This is another great opportunity for Mazda to give back to the Thai society," he said. "This is a historic charity event that the whole world is interested in, and one that has raised awareness concerning living a healthy lifestyle, particularly running, which is a discipline that everyone can take part."
Mazda support a total of six vehicles for use in the charity event comprising of four BT-50 PRO pickup trucks, a Mazda2 clean diesel and a CX-5 for use in the event since the first day of the event.
In Chiang Rai, Mazda Sales (Thailand) and nationwide Mazda dealers also made a joint cash donation to Artiwara and offered Mazda Sinthanee as the main resting point before reaching the destination Mae Sai.