There is arguably no better way to check out Singapore’s most memorable sights than to head to the annual Run & Raisin’ charity run and family carnival at the city’s iconic Gardens by the Bay. This year the event was held on August 13, and saw participation from Samsung C&T, among others.
The event was organized by the TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA), part of the TOUCH Community Services group. In all, over 3,000 volunteers showed up – making for a record turnout. In addition to the carnival, many participants took part in a 2.5km family run, a 5km fun run and a competitive 10km.
Organizers explained that proceeds from the event would go toward running year-round activity programs for some 570 children and families in need.
Helping Hands
The TOUCH Community Services group came to life in 1986 as a resource for latch-key children in the Clementi and Jurong neighborhoods.
As a subset service that specializes in caring for underprivileged children aged 6-12, TOUCH Young Arrows aims to provide educational, social, and emotional support at 23 centers in various locations around Singapore.
Run & Raisin’ 2016 was not the first time that Samsung C&T has joined forces with the TOUCH group. The two organizations collaborated in efforts to assist the elderly at the TOUCH Senior Activity Centre in April last year.
Samsung C&T has been very active in Singapore, where it has recently won numerous contracts, including a courthouse project and a subway line extension. The company welcomed 30 volunteers from multiple work sites across the city-state, as well as representatives from its Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO), with several Project Directors among their number.
The Fun of the Fair
For runners and spectators alike, the lively carnival was a particular highlight, with 23 Samsung C&T volunteers operating a balloon giveaway booth.
Samsung C&T Volunteers staffed booths at the event and provided support at the race, with some 20 taking part in the 5km run.
The day also saw a full program of fun for children, with four teams of Samsung C&T staff members playing games with younger attendees, from 9am to 3pm. Staff also took part in coordination efforts at the booth, took photos and acted as caretakers.
In addition, there were plenty of other family-friendly activities on offer, including a face painting stand and a musical performance by a TYA member family.
Fair attendees were also invited to join in a 30-minute Zumba workout session with a popular Singapore-based instructor.
Race to the Line
Making an early 7am start to beat the heat, the runners began their races in the heart of the Gardens’ landmark Supertree Grove.
In addition to acclaimed architecture, the Gardens, which surround Singapore’s Marina Bay, offer plenty in the way of sustainable greenery. Trees, lawns and flowers are on display, with the bay on the opposite flank. In spite of the spectacular scenery, however, high summer temperatures and humidity levels ensured a testing run for the participants.
“It was a bit challenging, but I’m glad to say I made it round the course,” explains Catherine Ji, Administrative Assistant at Samsung C&T’s APRO. “I got through it thanks to a mixture of endurance and encouragement!”
Lasting Ties
Activities such as these allow Samsung C&T to get to know and provide assistance to the underprivileged in Singapore – and also provide team-building opportunities for all volunteers involved. “I love the team spirit by all the caring volunteers from Samsung C&T,” notes Chang.
Forging lasting, meaningful links to Singapore’s residential community provides Samsung C&T with a deeper level of connection to the country, where its development – and charitable activities – continue to gather pace.
