Unique Fundraising: Part II
By Rachele Foo, Content Contributor
If we have to name one of the silver linings in this pandemic, it could be discovering new hobbies. Due to new social distancing rules during this pandemic, many have looked for alternative forms of entertainment, and some have turned to the outdoors to catch a breather. Through this, Ding Yang, Pete, Mark, Andre, Alvin and Jun Long became interested in cycling and formed bonds through their similar love for it. As their passion for cycling grew, they turned their hobby into something much bigger and meaningful. They decided to start a fundraiser together as Team Aweveresting, where they would raise funds by embarking on the Everesting challenge.
This idea originated from a Strava challenge. The challenge in June was to complete an elevation of
8,848m, similar to that of Mount Everest, on a bicycle, and they could clock the distance at their own pace across the entire month. As they were discussing, they mentioned in passing that they could complete the whole distance at one go. However, thinking of it just as a joke, they all laughed it off.
Then, Ding Yang decided to challenge himself and completed half of the total distance at once on his own. Seeing him achieve it, the rest of the team were motivated and hence decided to embark on the challenge where Ding Yang would attempt the entire Everesting challenge of 8,848m while the rest of the group would attempt the basecamp climb of 4,424m. For the challenge to be considered successful, they would have to finish the entire distance without sleeping.
It took them about 12h to complete the climb of 4,424m, and for the whole thing, it took Ding Yang around 30h. It was extremely gruelling for them; however, when they felt like giving up, they remembered what one of their teammates, Jun Long said,
“Our pain will last for only 1 to 2 days, but these children are facing chronic diseases, and they are battling it every day of their lives.”
The support from their family and friends who brought food to where they were attempting the challenge also greatly encouraged them.
In total, they raised $18,795, which is no small feat.
When asked why they think it is important to give back to society, one of the members mentioned that giving back to the community helps him stay humble and reminds him that there is a bigger purpose to life than just working and earning money.
Lastly, regarding whether they are planning to do this again, the team replied that they hope to do so and might even consider making it an annual event, though they might change the challenge.
Kickstart a giving back journey to the vulnerable little ones in the community!
Your efforts will be doubled as part of the Fortitude Budget, the government is matching donations to charities dollar-for-dollar till 31 March 2022.
To better support NPOs and givers, there will be NO TRANSACTION FEES on Giving.sg till 31 March 2022. Therefore, 100% of your donations will go to Club Rainbow (Singapore).
Do contact us crscpm@clubrainbow.org and we can guide you along to begin your journey with us today.
