The Nature Preservation Foundation will host the 12th staging of its Race for Hope charity walk/run in January 2024.

The event, slated for January 14, forms a part of Hope Royal Botanic Gardens’ 150th anniversary celebration.

“As we celebrate 150 years of preserving nature and serving the community, Race for Hope stands as a testament to our commitment to the well-being of Jamaica’s children. This year’s race is not just a
charity event; it’s a celebration of our legacy and an opportunity for everyone to contribute to our
shared vision,” said Carla Myrie, executive director of the Nature Preservation Foundation.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) certification of the Shady Grove Basic School, JAD Pre-school Center for the Deaf, and Nugent’s Academy, an organisation led by 14-year-old Ackeef Nugent which aims to create a safer and more peaceful community through social interventions to reduce crime and violence.

Additionally, Inspire Jamaica, hosted and produced by Kerlyn Brown will benefit from the initiative. Funds raised will also go towards the development of the garden.

Registration for Race for Hope 2024 is now open here.

General registration is $2,500. A special student rate of $1,000 is offered to students with an ID.

Paula Shaw, ECC director, shared that the commission is honoured to be associated with Race for Hope 2024.

“Research has confirmed that quality early childhood education is very important for the development of our children. We welcome the support of the Foundation in making two institutions in their immediate community of Hope Gardens beneficiaries, to assist with the certification process for these institutions,” said Shaw.

Kerlyn Brown added that she celebrates with the parents of Inspire Jamaica, the only television programme in Jamaica that is dedicated to highlighting health challenges faced by children.

“Our focus is not only to highlight the issues but also to seek assistance on their behalf. Hence, when
the idea of being a beneficiary of Race for Hope 2024 was proposed, we welcomed the opportunity. It is
humbling that we would be considered. We encourage everyone to come out and support these worthy
causes,” she said.

Ackeef Nugent from Nugent’s Academy echoed the same sentiments, expressing his appreciation to Race for Hope for having Nugent’s Academy as a part of the event as a beneficiary.

In May 2023, the Gardens marked its 150th anniversary, a momentous occasion the foundation says underscores its enduring commitment to environmental preservation and community development.