The SOC Exchange Sponsors the Longest Run in History

Online, April 15, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The SOC Exchange (www.thesocexchange.com), a leading
e-commerce website that allows members to buy and sell items for a flat rate fee of $10 per year, announced today its sponsorship of the longest run ever attempted in history. The Pole to Pole Run (www.poletopolerun.com) is a yearlong fundraising initiative in which Pat Farmer, a multiple world record holding endurance runner, will trek over 21,000 kilometers, or 13,000 miles, from the North Pole to the South Pole to raise $100 million for the Red Cross Water Relief Program.

As part of its commitment to the Pole to Pole Run, the SOC founder Franco Lagudi also announced it is waiving its membership fee in lieu of a donation to the Red Cross, for the duration of the run. Interested consumers can join the SOC Exchange at www.thesocexchange.com. Donations can be made directly to the Pole to Pole Run by clicking on "Donate" at www.poletopolerun.com.

These donations will support the American Red Cross's efforts to directly deliver water access and sanitation programs for the 880 million people around the world who lack a clean water supply. Sanitation programs include building clean water wells and pipelines. Although the American Red Cross will manage the US donated funds, they will collaborate with individual and international Red Crescent Societies on the Water Relief Program. If donations exceed $100 million, the excess funds will be donated to other Red Cross public health projects.

"Since our founding, the SOC Exchange has been committed to supporting many worthwhile charities. The significance of Pat's cause really stands out because it is central to the lives of so many children and families around the world," says Lagudi. "We believe our current members will be equally supportive, and waiving our fee for the duration of the run will hopefully encourage additional donations," he adds.

This is no ordinary race. Despite drastically changing terrain and weather conditions, Farmer will run two marathons per day while passing through 14 countries beginning in April 2011 and concluding in February 2012.

Prior to planning this record breaking run, Farmer served as Federal Minister of Australian Parliament as Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Science and Training. During this time, he was exposed to the pressing need to provide clean and accessible drinking water in developing nations around the world. Coupling his political career and running abilities, he has helped raise millions of dollars for Lifeline, Cancer Council, and Diabetes Australia.

"We greatly appreciate the support of the SOC Exchange in helping us raise money for this very important cause," says Farmer. "We are confident in our ability to finally make a difference on this front, and it is companies such as the SOC Exchange that will help us reach our goal," Farmer concludes.

To sign up to become a member of the SOC Exchange for free, go to www.thesocexchange.com and click "Sign up Now!". For more information on the Pole to Pole Run and directions on how to make a donation, visit www.poletopolerun.com.