Pamela Anderson announced Sunday, via Twitter, that she would be running in the 2013 ING New York City Marathon.

Why has Anderson taken the sudden interest in the marathon? She is wanting, and is hoping, to raise money to support one of the poorest countries in the world: Haiti.

“Poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Just a one-hour flight from Miami. How are we not more involved?” she says. “Desperate need for things we take for granted – clean water, safe school structures, medical facilities, emergency rooms, reforestation possibilities – conservation, education…the opportunities are endless.”

I’m running the New York Marathon this year and raising funds for the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. http://t.co/wEFSitX2va

— Pamela Anderson (@PamelaDAnderson) September 29, 2013

“I’m running the New York Marathon this year and raising funds for the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. (Can you believe it?),” Anderson writes on her fundraising page. “Together, I hope we can raise at least $500,000 and make a huge impact in this magical country…keep checking my page and Facebook and Twitter to find out about all sorts of contests I’ll be running from now until November-I will give updates on my training too.” So far, she has raised $8,469 for the cause.

When Anderson begins talking about Haiti, you can immediately sense her passion for the country.

“To spend time in Haiti is to fall in love with Haiti,” she says. “The magic of this country … The people … The humility … Pride. Musicians, athletes and Artists. It has been heartbreaking to witness the poverty among people in what should be a very rich country.”

She continues, “I was in Haiti shortly after the earthquake to help with local farms and food distribution in tent camps. I visited J/P HRO when it was in its beginning stages. I brought cold beer through rubble-covered streets to volunteers who were working long days surrounded by dust and death. I have known Sean [Penn] a long time … I love him dearly. I think many people shine in Haiti. They Jumped. Took Action. Made the decision to help … What if we ALL had the nerve? I think deep down we all do … It feels good to help. And it heals us too.”

The marathon will take place in New York City on November 3.

Image via Twitter