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Cerebos employees all ready to do their bit for charity. The firm donated $100 to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund for every 1km completed in the marathon by its employees. The amount raised pipped last year's total of $80,500. -- PHOTO: SAMUEL HE
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TIMES may be difficult, but charity was still a winner at yesterday's Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, thanks to Cerebos Pacific Limited.
The health supplements and food products company raised over $91,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, an increase over last year's total of $80,500.
The fund, initiated in 2000, raises money to provide for children's education, keeping them in school and to help ease the financial difficulties of low-income families.
Cerebos donated $100 to the fund for every 1km completed in the marathon by its employees, with chief executive officer and president Eiji Koike leading the way.
The 61-year-old Japanese has competed in the 21km half-marathon over the last six years.
His passion for running began after he took part in the 2003 edition, which was when Cerebos first became involved with the Singapore Marathon. Then, it raised $54,000 in its first year.
Koike intends to maintain this long-term commitment. He sees the event as an ideal fit for Cerebos and the perfect opportunity to promote a healthy lifestyle among the company's employees.
He said: 'I think it's a great event to improve company spirit and get everyone involved. Hopefully, with me running, that encourages the rest of them to run.'
Then he added in jest: 'Of course, as the CEO, I've told my staff they're not allowed to overtake me.'
JONATHAN WONG
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