Funds pour in for quake victim's charity cause

Before he died in the Sabah earthquake in June, Tanjong Katong Primary School (TKPS) teacher Terrence Loo had planned to take part in a 60km cycle ride to raise funds for chronically ill children and their families.

"He was super-stoked about this ride and was constantly bugging people to support his cause," said his girlfriend Patricia Yee, who has decided to take part in his place.

According to Mr Loo's fund-raising page on the event website, more than $6,100 has been raised for Club Rainbow to support him - the ninth-highest amount raised by an individual rider this year.

Ms Yee, 29, who works in public relations, is not used to cycling long distances, but she told The Sunday Times: "It's for a good cause, and Terrence loved children. Since he can't do it himself, we will help him fulfil his wish."

She will join two of his colleagues - Ms Tan Peining, 27, and Ms Nur Uzaimah Fadzali, 32 - who were roped in by Mr Loo in March to sign up for the annual Ride for Rainbows event.

Mr Loo, 29, died during the school trip to Mount Kinabalu along with colleague, Mr Mohammad Ghazi Mohamed, 35.

Six other TKPS teachers, including Ms Uzaimah, participated in the expedition. They recently received Commendation Medals, as part of the National Day Awards, for their efforts to guide pupils to safety.

Ms Uzaimah checked with her school leaders if she could still take part in the overnight event on Oct 9 and 10. She said: "Their concern was whether I was physically fit, and I assured them that I was okay."

Club Rainbow, which marks its 23rd anniversary this year, offers services such as counselling, tuition, befriending, and educational seminars to about 700 chronically ill children and their families. It relies solely on public donations.

This year, for the first time, five of its former beneficiaries will be cycling in the event.

To support riders, visit: rideforrainbows.org/Support-a-Rider/

goyshiyi@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on August 16, 2015.
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