S'pore Red Cross organises first local charity fishing competition

On Boxing Day, more than 100 avid anglers will be gunning for big fish for an even bigger cause.

Fish For Food 2015, the first-ever charity fishing competition in Singapore, is the culmination of a month-long fund-raising campaign by Singapore Red Cross (SRC).

Mr Chris Tan, 42, head of fund-raising for SRC, told The New Paper: "Our more traditional fund-raising events include flag days and gala dinners so this one is very different.

"You're not only helping the less fortunate, you also get to bond with your family and friends. Fishing is also quite a popular past-time here and it teaches us good virtues like patience."

PROCEEDS

All proceeds from ticket sales, which cost $100 each, will contribute to SRC's local services, such as TransportAid and Red Cross Home for the Disabled.

So far, more than 100 tickets have been sold, and SRC hopes to raise $100,000.

On Saturday, anglers will congregate at D'Best Fishing Main Pond in Pasir Ris to compete for the heaviest catch and the top prize of $2,500 cash.

They can choose to donate their catch to SRC's FoodAid programme, which provides nutritious food to underprivileged households.

One participant, Mr Ben Shek, a 43-year-old freelancer in the freight industry, said: "This is a really unique charity event as it's the first of its kind in Singapore. I decided to participate as I will be able to do what I love while helping a cause."

Mr Shek has been fishing for 20 years. He caught an 8kg trevally last month at the Million Dollar Fish contest in Darwin, Australia, and hopes to top that this Saturday.

He encouraged 17 members of Lucky Anglers, a local fishing interest group he started six months ago, to join the event.

One member, Mr Lim Chung King, a 42-year-old courier, said: "I'm looking forward to fishing for a good cause and bonding with (the) other members.

"(I hope) there will be more events such as this, as fishing is an enjoyable and relaxing hobby where you get to meet people and make new friends."

This article was first published on December 23, 2015.
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