While a cold snap was sweeping Hong Kong, Sha Tin Sports Ground seemed unseasonably warm at midnight on Saturday November 21, 2009. Adding to the warmth were the 10,000 heroes who'd wrapped up in their warmest clothes in readiness to raise funds for the preventably blind in the 4th ORBIS-Bupa Moonwalkers event. In addition to warming hearts, everyone's kindness also enhanced the festive atmosphere. As the event neared its start, participants became even more excited about undertaking their 20-km walk to Tai Mei Tuk.

Thanks to our heroes' tireless support, 2009 Moonwalkers not only generated a lot of fun but also successfully raised around HK$6,000,000 for ORBIS' global sight saving initiative. Attracted by the ever-popular "Hero Image Contest", hundreds of walkers dressed up as their favorite super heroes. The many eye-catching costumes on show included the Eight Immortals, road construction workers and the family of animals, etc. The "Star Wars" characters, Darth Vader and Stormtrooper proved especially popular and attracted long queues of other heroes wanting souvenir photos.

(Photos for the "Hero Image Contest".)

Bringing hope in so many different ways

During their lengthy, 20km walk, participants were cheered on by a group of ORBIS volunteers. Some staff even staged an improvised drama that taught everyone even more effective ways to help the blind in their daily lives.

"Blindfold Challenge"

As always, the event's "Blindfold Challenge" section proved to be a major highlight. Those daring enough to participate had to walk for fully 10-minute relying totally on a teammate’s hand for guidance.

During the remainder of the walk, ORBIS volunteers continued to cheer on the heroes and distribute snacks and water to keep participants' strength up for the finish. After a hugely exerting but enjoyable 6-hour journey, our very tired heroes gathered at Tai Mei Tuk to share the first rays of a brand new day together!

"Having successfully completed the walk, I now have a much better understanding of the problems facing the blind", said heroine, Angel. "It's incredibly touching to share such a memorable moment and marvelous sunrise with so many people! I'll definitely encourage my friends to join next year!", she added.

Heroes, see you again in 2010!

The 2009 Moonwalkers wouldn't have been nearly so successful without the unstinting support of Bupa (Asia) Limited and all sponsors and supporting organizations. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to all volunteers and participants!

The appearance of gleaming meteors zooming across the night sky was a pleasantly unexpected and genuinely unforgettable surprise for everyone who took part. Let's all resolve to continue to bring such wondrous light to the blind in 2010 and beyond!

Heroes, share your memories!

Like to share your most cherished recollections of our 2009 Moonwalk with the world? Then please upload your photos or videos to the ORBIS Moonwalkers' groups on Facebook  , YouTube  and Yahoo! Blog .

Please also visit our media sponsor VCAST  to see exciting moments of this year's walk and swap memories with your fellow heroes.