AIA Australia staff will join global initiative Relief Run in Melbourne in June as the insurer contributes $20,000 to the charity raising lifesaving funds for the people of India devastated by COVID-19.

AIA Vitality Ambassador and endurance athlete Samantha Gash is the co-creator of Relief Run, which last year raised more than $1 million in support of Australian bushfire relief efforts. This year, Relief Run will be held worldwide over a mid-June weekend.

Global AIA Ambassador David Beckham says the situation across India is “heart-breaking” and is encouraging people to participate.

“I’m proud to support Samantha and this great initiative to raise vital funds and awareness for the relief efforts across India,” he said.

Other AIA Vitality ambassadors supporting the cause include Bec Judd, Sylvia Jeffreys, Laura Henshaw, Steve Hooker, Anabelle Smith, Alisa Camplin and Marika Day, and New Zealand ambassadors Dame Valerie Adams and Ian Jones.

“We have colleagues, friends and family directly impacted by the crisis in India, and I believe it is our responsibility to make a difference however we can,” AIA Australia and New Zealand CEO and MD Director Damien Mu said.

Groups across schools, corporates and communities are encouraged to create an event and support the cause.

All funds raised by Relief Run will go towards the World Vision’s COVID-19 India crisis appeal, which is sourcing equipment and supplies including beds, oxygen concentrators, food vouchers and tents for temporary COVID-19 care centres.