Big Walk 2014: Walk for a good cause

Their work - and those they help - often go unnoticed.

We are talking about volunteers and their frail, lonely and underprivileged elderly beneficiaries in Singapore.

But come Nov 30, not only will the beneficiaries and the volunteers' selfless efforts be appreciated, but they will be celebrated.

The Lions Befrienders Service Association, along with their beneficiaries, will take a breather from their Sunday routine to join thousands in The New Paper Big Walk, courtesy of the Singapore Turf Club.

TNP Big Walk presenters Singapore Turf Club will cover the registration fees for the voluntary welfare organisation.

Founded in 1994, Lions Befrienders provides friendship and care for lonely senior citizens. Staff and volunteers befriend and help the elderly through home visits.

Lions Befrienders also caters to the social and physical needs of the lonely elderly through activities such as exercise and games at Senior Activity Centres at various housing estates.

Mr Simon Leong, Singapore Turf Club's vice-president, corporate services, says the sponsored tickets will help support the less privileged and make the TNP Big Walk more inclusive.

"Besides being the presenter for this year, we are happy to support the less privileged among us as well as those who are helping them so they, too, can enjoy this fun Walk with their family and friends.

"By having them in the Walk, the event will truly be for the community and for everyone."

Among those who will benefit from the initiative is Mr Alwyn Chia, 41.

Mr Chia, who has been working at Lions Befrienders for about six years, said that the TNP Big Walk is a good opportunity for the staff and volunteers at Lions Befrienders to bond.

"It will provide an opportunity for like-minded staff and volunteers to come and do something together outside the workplace."

Mr Goh Boo Han, 73, the executive director of Lions Befrienders, feels that charities can leverage on the TNP Big Walk to build awareness about their causes.

He said: "I feel that the Big Walk is a good platform to build public awareness for charities and their worthy social causes."

Companies wishing to register beneficiaries of their adopted charities can do so at a special price of $12 instead of $15. To register, please write to us at enquiry@tnpbigwalk.sg

Walk with us

This year's The New Paper Big Walk will take participants over the picturesque Benjamin Sheares Bridge as part of the 5km route.

WHEN

Sunday, 30 Nov (7am to noon)

WHERE

From Republic Boulevard, next to Nicoll Highway MRT, to Marina Bay Floating Platform

REGISTRATION FEE

$15 (OCBC cardholders enjoy 10 per cent discount)

YOU GET

Goodie bag worth over $250, including exclusive Denizen tee-shirt worth $29.90, Nando's meal voucher worth $10.90, TNP digital & online subscription worth $132.60 and discount vouchers

REGISTER

Online at https://tnpbigwalk.sg (Closes Nov 21)

joonlei@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Nov 09, 2014.
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