| Colour Their World 2010, a collaboration between Youth Initiatives and Club Rainbow, achieved its first ever success on 7 February. Bringing in a total of 356 participants, the organisers were pleasantly surprised with the turnout for the walk and run event. It managed to raise approximately $10,000, which was its target goal.
The event attracted both the young, the old and even busy tourists on a scorching Sunday morning. Held at the Southern Ridges at Mount Faber Park, the participants had a nature filled walk and run. This event was spontaneously set up by a team of youths who were inspired to help children with chronic illnesses and life-threatening diseases. Youth Initiatives, as they are called, approached Club Rainbow the charitable organisation whose beneficiaries are the children, to organise the event.
The Crowd Mills Around
Ahh...a nice morning run...
“I think it’s a great idea!” said Patrick, a 33 year old Swiss foreigner, with great enthusiasm. “I was visiting Singapore on business and I looked online to participate in an event like this one. The run had a nice, relaxed atmosphere which is different from Singapore’s busy lifestyle.”
Patrick, 33, Switzerland.
“I think more people are interested in runs now and it’s a healthy way to raise funds.” remarked 40 year old Sally. She did however mention some downsides to the event.
Understandably, as it is at its first round, the event was not without any hiccups. “Most of us were confused about the directions, the marshals themselves were confused.”
Sally Lee, aged 40, and her son.
Malcolm, the organiser of the event admitted that the confusion was due to negligence on their part. “We will try to improve next year, it’s still our first time. We’re hoping to make it an annual event. We’re happy to help raise awareness for organisations such as Club Rainbow.”
Brothers Marcus and Malcolm Teo, spoke about the planning process. “We went down to places like Orchard Road and East Coast with banners and boards to publicise the event. Perhaps in the next round we’d use more traditional forms of media. Meeting the children was humbling and this experience was eye opening.”
Marcus Teo, 26, Youth Initiatives.
Malcolm Teo, President of Youth Initiatives.
Dreamplus, a group of top student athletes, were there as ambassadors for the event.
“We feel privileged to be VIPs for the event. More can be done to raise awareness for charitable events such as bringing them to different schools’ attention and creating hype via word of mouth.”
The Dreamplus Team!
Vice-President of Club Rainbow, Eric Teo Hong Kiat sat down with us and provided us with insights on the event and the club itself.
What has it been like working with Youth Initiatives?
Eric Teo: The experience has been a good one as the Youth Initiatives were the ones to approach us, it is very seldom that we get offers from organisations to help us set up an event!
What was Club Rainbow’s role in this event?
Eric Teo: All we had to do was show up because they(Youth Initiatives) basically did everything! They wanted nothing but for us to grace the event. All proceeds will go to us at Club Rainbow.
How will donations help the beneficiaries at Club Rainbow?
Eric Teo: We provide a variety of services to the children and their family such as, organising outings and camps to get their mind off their troubles with illness. We also provide tuition, emotional support and useful information to both parents and children.
How can Singaporeans help Club Rainbow beyond providing financial assistance?
Eric Teo: We are looking for committed individuals to volunteer to give tuition, become befrienders and organise programmes for our beneficiaries.
Eric Teo, 36, Vice-President of Club Rainbow.
By: D Sonia Kaur Kairon and Lim Mei Xing Clara, RP
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