There are a number of ways to do good in Hong Kong. From donating meals or money, to supporting and volunteering for local organisations. And in these trying times, all help – in any shape or form – is needed, now more than ever.
So, imagine being able to walk or exercise, while simultaneously supporting local businesses and fundraising to support a charity. Well, you can, thanks to the launch of virtual walkathon: the Pink Steps Challenge 2020 which starts October 1 at 7am.
The annual Pink Walk for Breast Health has been fundraising for the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation (HKBCF) for 14 years and has successfully raised awareness for the cause through education, research, and patient support. Now with the outbreak gripping the world, it goes without saying that a public walkathon, albeit to help a charity, is out of the question.
Enter Bravera, a fitness app that encourages people to move by converting steps into points, rewarding your activity with offers and discounts from local companies, which in turn, supports their business too. This year, for Pink October, the tech brand has joined forces with community organisation Phenomenally Pink, which supports breast cancer awareness and men's health, for a virtual Pink Steps challenge to raise money for HKBCF.
To join, simply download Bravera on iOS (with Apple Health) or Android (with Google Fit), and the Pink Steps Partner Group, then sign up for the challenges. Registration begins on September 17, and you can choose to enter the half marathon (25km for $100) or full marathon (42km for $200) challenge for over seven days. Each 1km turns into 10 points, in which you can progress at your own pace over multiple cumulative activities.
When you make a purchase through Bravera with the points, their give-back partners will contribute part of their proceeds to the charity. Partners include the likes of Hong Kong-based fabric mask brand Aveita, furniture and home decor store Mirth in Aberdeen, SUP (standup paddleboarding) company Island Paddle HK, and more.
Prize draws are also hosted weekly and at the end of the event, an e-certificate is given to congratulate your hard work. Now, let’s get walking.
Looking for activities to get your steps in? Check out Hong Kong’s accessible city hikes or cycle through the city’s most Instagrammable routes.