A: A group of individual employees working for major foreign finance and financial-related companies came together, in shock, after the tsunami that hit Asia at the end of 2004. They resolved to do something meaningful for the community that would make a difference. They chose to group together and form FIT to seek and support causes and community organisations that are not necessarily well recognised in our society. The aim was to express the wider commitment of the finance industry to our society.

3. Q: Which companies support FIT?

A: FIT is supported by companies from the finance and financial-related companies in Tokyo as well as other companies who donate goods and services. The list of supporters is long and includes both Japanese and foreign companies. For a list of the supporters of the 2008 Run please check http://www.fitforcharity.org/2008/sponsors/

4. Q: Who can participate in the event?

A: Those working in the financial industry or in financial-related sectors and their family and friends. Participation requires a firm to register and to manage applications from its employees. We advise those interested in participating to submit their registration as early as possible.

5. Q: Why isn’t this event open to everyone, regardless of where they work?

A: The FIT event is open to all employees at financial and finance-related companies and their families and friends. This has helped to develop FIT’s identity, focus, momentum and effectiveness in supporting the under-recognised but good work going on at community organisations around us. This is not a matter of exclusivity but of effectiveness.

6. Q: How is the FIT For Charity Run set to grow?

A: In terms of revenues, it has approximately doubled every year for 2006 and 2007. The 2008 FIT For Charity Run brought in a record 77 companies and donated JPY55 million to a record 10 charities.

Charities

7. Q: How much money has been raised for charities thus far?

A: Over JPY180 million have been raised since 2005.

8. Q: There are many charities. How does FIT select them?

A: FIT has established selection criteria. Charities are selected based primarily on need. Emphasis is also put on selecting multiple charities representing a cross-section of services offered. All member companies of the FIT Organising Committee can submit charities and vote for them.

9. Q: How much of the money raised goes to the charities?

A: In 2008, about 90% went to the charities. This is an unusually high pass-through rate which is achieved because members of the FIT For Charity Organising Committee are unpaid volunteers and almost all of the elements needed to stage the event are donated by companies and their employees.

10. Q: How are the funds split?

A: The funds raised are split equally among the supported charities.

2009 Run

11. Q: When and where will the 2009 FIT For Charity Run be held?

A: On November 29, 2009, at the National Kasumigaoka Stadium and the outer garden of Meiji Shrine (“Meijijingu Gaien”), in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.

12. Q: What are the goals for the 2009 event?

A: To maintain or better the degree of participation in the event, and to continue to raise funds and attention for the well-deserving community organisations we have chosen to support this year.

13. Q: How about medical support on the day in case something goes wrong?

A: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are hired to be present during the Run in case of emergencies. Stretch services are also on stand by.

14. Q: What events can children participate in?

A: Children are encouraged to join the 2km walk and kids sprint, but are more than welcome to join the other runs. However, we do ask that all runners be able to finish before the next run starts.

15. Q: What is the age limit for the kids sprint? How will it be organised?

A: Children between 3 and 15 years who can run at least 30 meters on their own can take part in the kids sprint. The running distance will vary according to the children’s age.

Age	Distance
Under 6 years old	30ｍ
6 – 7 years old	50m
8 – 9 years old	60m
10 – 11 years old	70m
12 – 13 years old	80m
14 – 15 years old	80m

Getting Involved

16. Q: My company is interested in sponsoring or sending a team to the event. What should I do?

A: Visit the application form or email us at application@fitforcharity.org.

17. Q: I’d like to help in some way, but don’t know what I can do.

A: Contact us and we will be able to find a role for you. There are many positions open and we appreciate everyone’s effort.

2009

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2008

2007

2006

2005

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