The now-traditional UNICEF “Milky Way” Run ended after ten days on Sunday, 18th September. It took place virtually on thousands of trails and at live events in support of the mental health of children and young people.
More than 6,600 participants, including 50 employees of JGL and Adrialab, collected the symbolic green ribbons as a sign of support, while UNICEF raised HRK 1.1 million through registration fees and public and corporate donations. The funds will be invested in the “PoMoZi Da” programme of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, aimed at training and improving the skills of more than 400 educational workers from all over Croatia, which will help make a positive and direct impact on over 20,000 primary and secondary school pupils.
“Thanks to the support of people all over Croatia, as well as the openness of young people and experts, the “Milky Way” initiative achieved two very important goals this year. We have raised funds that we will invest in supporting the mental health of children and adolescents and initiated an important public conversation about this topic, which is still shrouded in stigma, discrimination, misunderstanding, fear and silence that is measured in days, months, years... I am honoured that with this campaign dedicated to mental health, we have the opportunity to listen to young voices because only through joint action can we create a society of understanding and support, where no child or adolescent is left to fend for themselves,” says Regina Castillo, Head of UNICEF’s Office for Croatia, thanking all the participants, corporate partners, decision-makers and people in the public eye who once again supported this cause.
This year’s race was held under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Zoran Milanović, the Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Health, with the support of 66 companies whose corporate teams took the time to invest in their health and at the same time offer support for the mental health of children and adolescents. The JGL team did great and finished the race in 11th place, covering a total of 1,872.28 km and collecting 773.35 virtual green ribbons!