TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan on Friday hosted blind runners and volunteers who kicked off a charity run despite cold weather to raise funds for disadvantaged groups across Taiwan.

The city government said the run began near the city's Xinying Railway Station with temperatures around 14 to 16 C, but runners still showed up and set off on time. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) praised the group for not backing down from the cold and for giving back through action.

The run, now in its ninth year, is set to last 16 days and pass through 22 cities and counties around Taiwan. Organizers aim to raise 30,000 meal boxes worth about NT$30 million (US$950,000) to distribute to 23 welfare groups nationwide.

China Times reported Friday that local Rotary clubs joined in with donations and on-site support during the two-day stop. Each NT$1,000 donation counts as one holiday meal box, turning cash support into direct help for families in need.

Huang said the event shows resilience and teamwork while helping the public better understand the strength of people with disabilities. He added that Tainan will keep building up community services and inclusive policies so support continues beyond single events.