Cyclists raise over $50,000 for disadvantaged youths to pay it forward

SINGAPORE - Over 250 cyclists gathered at the Changi Civil Service Club on Sunday to raise over $50,000 for disadvantaged youths under the StarBuilders programme, which aims to empower these youths to take part in community projects.

The charity cycling event, 'Cycle Out Poverty', is a fundraising initiative for StarBuilders, which are both organised by the Habitat for Humanity Singapore (HFH Singapore).

Cyclists were given the option to navigate a 40km route, a leisurely 25km route, or a 5km Fun Ride.

HFH Singapore, which was founded in 2004, seeks to eliminate poverty housing worldwide by working alongside homeowners to build simple, decent houses.

Its Global Village programme has mobilised volunteers for building projects and disaster response all over the world, including China, Philippines and India. Locally, HFH Singapore started Project HomeWorks, a programme that seeks to improve the living conditions, safety and sanitation of the growing number of vulnerable elderly across the island.

grongloh@sph.com.sg