Club Rainbow Teams Up with FWD Singapore for ‘Ride & Ralk for Rainbows’ 2024

FWD Singapore and Club Rainbow (Singapore) at FWD Singapore's FWD Family & FWenDs Day 2024 for 'Ride & Ralk for Rainbows' 2024.

On Saturday 5 Oct, Club Rainbow (Singapore) had the pleasure of teaming up with FWD Singapore for their FWD Family & FWenDs Day as part of this year’s 'Ride & Ralk for Rainbows' initiative.

The FWD team walked alongside Club Rainbow staff and our children’s families, from Angsana Green to Café Football at the East Coast Park. FWD Singapore’s Chief Technology Officer, Mr Henry Chua and our own Executive Director, Mr Teo Siang Loong did the honours in flagging off the event at 8am.

FWD Singapore’s commitment to supporting our cause was evident in their action. Both in fundraising and covering the distances, FWD Singapore’s senior management team led the organisation by their own example. We learned that the senior management team members are the top fundraisers and in covering distances individually.

FWD Singapore's CTO, Mr. Henry Chua, giving an opening speech

Club Rainbow's Executive Director, Mr. Teo Siang Loong

FWD Staff enjoying the 4km walk

Successfully completing the walk!

At Café Football where the walk concluded at, Mr Adrian Vincent, CEO of FWD Singapore thanked all who participated in the meaningful morning event. He also invited a colleague to share her personal journey in fighting cancer, emphasizing that the organisation stands in solidarity with her. He added that the support for Club Rainbow’s cause is the outward expression and collective believe that no one needs to fight an illness alone. He encouraged his team to continue to raise funds for every contribution counts. Mr Teo Siang Loong, added on his gratitude on behalf of Club Rainbow,

“(With the funds raised), we are able to support 250 low-income families, feed them, give them basic living needs. Also, in terms of education, we are able to support 180 of our children to go through education process for an entire year. So, it is really a great impact you guys are making for our children”.

FWD Singapore CEO, Mr. Adrian Vincent thanking his staff for participating in today's walk

Club Rainbow's Executive Director, Mr. Teo Siang Loong thanking FWD Singapore for supporting our children and families

We are deeply grateful for their partnership in this year’s initiative. Thanks to the generous efforts of FWD Singapore and their supporters, a significant amount was raised for ‘Ride & Ralk for Rainbows’ 2024. Their unwavering support will help us continue delivering vital services, including educational programmes, therapy, and caregiving support; ensuring that our children and their families have the best possible chance to thrive.

At Club Rainbow, this is just the beginning! We’re excited for what lies ahead as we continue to partner with amazing organisations like FWD Singapore. We look forward to breaking new ground, building stronger communities, and making an even bigger difference!

Informa Singapore Partners with Club Rainbow (Singapore) For Ride & Ralk for Rainbows 2024

More than 150 participants from Informa completed a 4.15km walk for Club Rainbow (Singapore) ‘Ride & Ralk for Rainbows’

At Club Rainbow (Singapore), we believe in the power of community and the strength of collaboration. Our recent partnership with Informa Markets Asia for our fundraising campaign, 'Ride & Ralk for Rainbows 2024' on 6 September was a wonderful testament to these values. As part of Informa’s annual event, Walk the World, more than 150 participants from Informa's Singapore office joined us for an invigorating 4.15 km walk from National Stadium to Marina Barrage, showcasing their commitment to supporting children with chronic illnesses and their families.

The event began near National Stadium, where the participants gathered. Informa’s Managing Director, Maritime & Energy Singapore, Mr. Sukumar Verma, alongside our Executive Director, Mr. Teo Siang Loong, delivered inspiring opening speeches and flagged off the event.

It is heartwarming to see the excellent spirit and determination of individuals from diverse backgrounds coming together walking with purpose, knowing that funds raised would significantly impact lives, providing essential food rations, therapy services and education support for children and families navigating the challenges of chronic illness. Informa's team was fully engaged, not just as participants but as advocates for our mission. In total, Informa has raised $13,892 for ‘Ride & Ralk for Rainbows’ and from the purchase of our merchandise in support for our children! We are filled with gratitude for Informa's support.

We look forward to continuing this partnership, finding new ways to collaborate, and creating opportunities that bring hope and joy to our children and their families. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this meaningful cause. Here’s to many more successful events and a brighter future for our community!

Celebrating Unsung Heroes: Club Rainbow Honours Exemplary Caregivers and Siblings

"Celebrating Heroes", Club Rainbow (Singapore)'s annual event acknowledging and appreciating caregivers and siblings

On 31 August 2024, Club Rainbow (Singapore) held its annual event, "Celebrating Heroes," at HomeTeam NS Khatib. Since its inception in 2015, this event has provided a platform to acknowledge and appreciate caregivers and siblings who have shown remarkable dedication and resourcefulness in caring for their loved ones and improving their well-being.

This year's event honoured three caregivers with the Exemplary Caregiver Award (ECA), selected from a list of eight nominees. Additionally, four siblings received the Exemplary Sibling Award (ESA), chosen from a pool of twelve nominees, while two siblings were awarded the Commendable Award. A new category, the Resilience Family Award, was also introduced this year and presented to a deserving family.

Exemplary Caregiver Awardee (ECA), Ms. Yvette Wang

Exemplary Sibling Awardee (ESA), Naqish Bin Junaidi

Dr. Sashikumar Ganapathy, Council President of Club Rainbow, emphasized the importance of recognizing the challenges faced by caregivers and siblings. He said, "Caring for a child with chronic illnesses is challenging and often complex. 'Celebrating Heroes' is our way of honouring the remarkable caregivers and siblings in our community. This event, along with other initiatives under our flagship programme Care Connection, aims to support and empower caregivers by enhancing their emotional resilience and reminding them that they are not alone in their caregiving journey."

Among the recipients of the Exemplary Caregiver Award was Ms. Yvette Wang, who left her job to care for her son Elijah, who has autism and speech delay. She dedicated her time to understanding and supporting his holistic development, including teaching him daily living skills, seeking community resources, and attending courses. Another recipient, Ms. Mashurny Herniaty Binte Masjod, the mother of Alaynaa Isabella Binte Mohd Shariff Chia, who has cerebral palsy, learned sign language to better communicate with her daughter. Mashurny accompanied Isabella to weekly therapy sessions and most of the programmes organised by Club Rainbow to help her experience different activities and learn new skills. The Resilience Family Award was presented to Ms. Suzannah Abu Bakar and her two older children, who have each played a crucial role in the development of their younger sibling Sri Putri Indraqasih Bte Jamal, who was born prematurely

Resilience Family Award, Family of Sri Putri Indraqasih & the late Sri Putri Cenderawasih

One of the Exemplary Sibling Award recipients was 16-year-old Ms. Qistina Ad'delyna Binte Mohammad Riduan, who has been helping her mother care for her 2-year-old sister, Nur Indah Salsabella Puteri Muhammad Yusofe, who has cerebral palsy and a lung condition. Qistina took the initiative to attend a home care training course, where she learned to care for her sister, including how to suction her phlegm. She also learned how to tube-feed her sister by observing her mother. Another awardee, Ms. Siti Haleymatul Jannah Binte Jamal, supported her family by working part-time while studying and caring for her younger sister, who was born prematurely. With their mother being unwell, Haleymatul also took on household chores and helped guide her younger siblings in their studies after school.

In addition to the award presentations, the event featured specially curated activities for caregivers, including sharing sessions where award recipients discussed their caregiving journeys. Exciting programmes were also organized for the children, each of whom was paired with a befriender throughout the activities. Mediacorp celebrity and Club Rainbow ambassador Ms. Denise Camillia Tan volunteered as a befriender during the children’s programme. The event welcomed 250 participants, including 72 beneficiaries and their family members, and was supported by 150 Club Rainbow volunteers and staff.

Mediacorp artiste and Club Rainbow ambassador, Denise Camillia Tan (2nd from right in the back row) supported the event as a Befriender

Through "Celebrating Heroes," Club Rainbow continues to shine a light on the often-overlooked contributions of caregivers and siblings, offering them the recognition and support they deserve.

Watch the Exemplary Caregiver Award and Exemplary Sibling Award videos to learn the inspiring stories of these unsung heroes, whose selfless sacrifices and unwavering love continue to inspire us all.

#ClubRainbowHeroes #ClubRainbowSG

Camp Rainbow 2024

Camp Rainbow 2024

Imagine a place where our children can forget about their daily challenges and just be kids — laughing, playing, making new friends and lifelong memories. That’s exactly what happens at Camp Rainbow, an annual event organized by us, Club Rainbow (Singapore).

Camp Rainbow is the largest and the only medically-supervised 3D2N stay-in event for children with chronic illnesses in Singapore. The event’s key objectives are centered on inculcating desired values such as independence, resilience and teamwork through specially tailored activities. More importantly, Camp Rainbow provides a platform for youth development, where our youth, having benefitted from the event will be given opportunities to hone their leadership skills to eventually assume roles in the Organising Committee to plan and implement camp for future cohorts.

Day 1 of Camp Rainbow kicked off with excitement and anticipation as the campers arrived for registration and a quick medical check provided by on-site doctors and nurses to ensure everyone was ready for the adventure ahead.

The day began with an inspiring Opening Ceremony, setting the tone for the camp. The campers then bonded with their befrienders and peers through fun team- building exercises before travelling to their accommodation, where they settled in and took time for goal setting and reflection. After a hearty dinner, the day ended on a high note with a cozy movie night at Golden Village Yishun, leaving everyone eager for the days to come.

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Day 2 of Camp Rainbow started early, our kids and volunteers had a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day’s adventures, the campers then set off on an exciting journey to Bird Paradise. The campers were thrilled as they explored the vibrant aviary, marveling at the colourful birds and engaging in interactive exhibits that brought them closer to nature. The morning was filled with laughter, curiosity, and a sense of wonder. After a delightful lunch at Bird Paradise, where everyone shared their favorite moments, the group traveled back to Singapore Sports School. The afternoon allowed for some well-deserved rest and relaxation, giving campers time to recharge.

As evening approached, the energy levels soared again with a lively dinner, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. The fun continued with Carnival Night, where the campers enjoyed games, prizes, snacks that were sponsored by Old Chang Kee and a festive atmosphere. The day ended with Disco Night, where the kids hit the dance floor, showing off their moves and celebrating a day full of adventure and joy.

The combination of exploration, fun and friendship made Day 2 an extraordinary experience, leaving the campers eagerly anticipating the rest of the camp.

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Day 3 of Camp Rainbow began with a spirited “Rise & Shine”, followed by a hearty breakfast to get the campers ready for a day full of magic and celebration. The morning kicked off with an exciting magic programme led by SIT Magic Hearts. where the kids got engaged in creating their own magic envelop and painting their own masks, unleashing their creativity. After a fulfilling lunch, the campers took some time for goal setting reflection, thinking about their camp experiences and the personal growth they each have achieved over the past few days. In the afternoon, the focus shifted to preparing for the kids’ performance, where they eagerly practiced their acts, ready to take the stage.

As the sun sets, the campgrounds transformed into a warm and lively setting for the Eco Campfire by Handstack, where performances from both the campers and Handstack entertained everyone. The night carried a special meaning as the appreciation segment dedicated heartfelt thanks to the parents, recognizing their unwavering support. Finally, the day culminated in a beautiful closing ceremony, where each camper was celebrated with certificates for their participation, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

The campfire’s glow mirrored the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie, leaving everyone with full hearts, cherished memories, and a shared hope for the future.

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Camp Rainbow Organising Committee

At Camp Rainbow, we have always recognised the invaluable role of dedicated volunteer befrienders in ensuring the well-being of our children, and inculcating desirable values in them.  This year, we are embarking on a paradigm shift that aims to offer unparalleled opportunity to a much wider network of youth volunteers and organisations to learn and understand the intricacies of our diverse community.  By actively engaging with the vulnerable segments of our society, the volunteer befrienders will gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by these individuals and the importance of fostering inclusivity and empathy within our social fabric.

This initiative aligns with the overarching goals of Forward Singapore, as we collectively strive to build a more inclusive and caring society. By nurturing empathy and understanding among our youth, we are laying the foundation for a future generation that is equipped with the values and skills necessary to create positive change in our community.

The camp wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of volunteers, the support of caregivers, and the generosity of donors who believe in the importance of creating a space for these children to thrive. As the flames of the eco campfire dimmed and the certificates were handed out, one thing was clear—Camp Rainbow is not just an event, but a beacon of hope and resilience for everyone involved.

We look forward to seeing the continued growth of these remarkable young individuals, and with every camp, we’re reminded that, together, we can light up their futures with hope and endless possibilities. Until next time, Camp Rainbow will remain a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with love and support.

Frasers Hospitality Partners with Club Rainbow to Amplify Community Impact

Staff and guests of Frasers Hospitality banded together for a fundraising walk in Singapore to support children suffering from chronic illnesses on 16 August 2024

• More than 200 staff and guests of Frasers Hospitality across the globe participated in fundraising walks in the month of August

• Frasers Hospitality has raised over S$10,000 in support of Club Rainbow through various initiatives since March 2024

10 September 2024- Frasers Hospitality, a strategic business unit of Frasers Property Limited, has strengthened its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) by partnering with Club Rainbow to support children with chronic and life-threatening illnesses, aiming to make a sustained and meaningful impact on their lives.

Over its year-long engagement, Frasers Hospitality has championed several initiatives in support of our organisation and the children, which included a donation drive, fundraising walks, sponsorship of Arts Mentorship Programme and the hosting of a craft workshop and movie screening event for the children and their families.

In its commitment to give back to the community, Frasers Hospitality celebrated its 26th anniversary with a Frasers Day Fiesta, where over S$3,000 was raised as part of its “Giving” campaign in March this year. Staff were also gifted tote bags designed by a child artist from Club Rainbow as a token of appreciation for their efforts and donations in support of the campaign.

Frasers Hospitality also organised fundraising walks as part of Club Rainbow’s annual Ride & Ralk for Rainbows event in August, in conjunction with the Group’s Frasers Community Month. Employees and guests took to the streets across various locations in Australia, Cambodia, China and the United Kingdom to raise funds and public awareness, and support children with chronic illnesses and their families.

In early September, a team bonding event brought together over 50 staff members who volunteered their time to engage 20 children from Club Rainbow in a punch needle craft workshop. During the session, both employees and children learned the art of punch needle embroidery.

Frasers Hospitality is also supporting Club Rainbow through the sponsorship of our Arts Development Programme, dedicated to nurturing the artistic talents of children and youth. This initiative began in early September, with two selected children participating in an Arts Mentorship Programme. This programme provides them with the opportunity to receive guidance from our long-term arts mentor, helping them to further hone their skills."

In late September, Frasers Hospitality will host a movie screening event for 20 Club Rainbow beneficiaries and their caregivers, along with Frasers Hospitality’s guests, employees, and their families. This event will offer an opportunity for all attendees to share an immersive sensorial experience, fostering connection and interaction with the Club Rainbow community."

Mr. Teo Siang Loong, Executive Director of Club Rainbow commented, “We are deeply honoured to partner with Frasers Hospitality in making a profound difference in the lives of children with chronic illnesses and vulnerable families. Their unwavering commitment to creating positive social impact is evident in their community engagement initiatives. Frasers Hospitality has gone above and beyond, organising enriching activities like the craft workshop and movie night, which provide opportunities for social integration for the children and families we support. Their dedication is truly inspiring, and it is partnerships like these that strengthen our social fabric and build a more inclusive and caring society. We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration for years to come.”

“Social responsibility is deeply ingrained in the DNA of Frasers Hospitality as we recognise the significance of giving back to the communities around us. We strive to enrich the lives of our guests, uplift the surrounding communities, and cultivate a strong sense of purpose among our colleagues with our refreshed mission to wholeheartedly connect people with life-enriching experiences. Beyond providing financial support, we remain committed to channel time and resources to lead life-enriching initiatives in support of the children and their families. By forging a meaningful collaboration with Club Rainbow, we endeavour to create a supportive and purposeful workplace for our employees while building long-term, sustainable value for the beneficiaries.” said Ms. Eu Chin Fen, Chief Executive Officer of Frasers Hospitality.

Club Rainbow (Singapore) Family Retreat 2023

This year, Club Rainbow (Singapore) (CRS) is back with our annual family cruise trip this year! The specially curated event is open to all CRS beneficiaries and their immediate family members only. To ensure that all families get the opportunity to be part of the Club Rainbow Family Retreat experience, priority was given to families who have not been on any CRS-organised overseas family retreat event or cruise in the past. 

During this 4D3N cruise getaway, the workshops and activities organised by CRS on board were for the beneficiaries and families to unwind, learn and forge new friendships.

Our first stop of the getaway, was at Toa Payoh Safra, our families and beneficiaries gathered and play some ice-breaker activities. The different activities had both our beneficiaries and their family members to get up and about to complete their Bingo Sheet. A little competitive spirit is always good, as the families compete against each other to see which team is able to build the tallest structure.

One of the highlights of the 3-Day programme is the self-care programme for the caregivers on Day 2. The session was well received by caregivers, with many sharing that it was very calming, the programme allowed them to self-reflect and open up a new perspective as they look forward in the future. Shared by one of the immediate families of our beneficiaries, “ It is good to have some me time and to self reflect, the activities were useful for us to get back in touch with ourselves and learned that i can be a pillar for my children and at the same time be myself” .

One of the popular activities from the programme is called “Our Wishing Star”, a DIY keychain with folded stars carrying the wishes and hopes that the parents have for their children. Many found that the wishing star was a good and simple way to give their best wishes and hopes to their kids.

Ending the Day 2 programs with a session on self-reflection, our caregivers wrote post cards to themselves. A number of the caregivers has expressed that it allowed them to get to know themselves even better. “ Reflective and recognize our own achievements” shared by one of the caregivers. Sharing a similar mindset, Mdm Ong shared “ they unleash our emotions, thoughts and allows us to express in our own ways.”

The last day activity called for good teamwork, family bonding and getting their creative juices flowing with Club Rainbow Fashion Show! “ Our family had fun and enjoyed bonding time together! ” said Mdm Ong. Through the activity, caregivers have also learned something about their kid that they did not know before. “ My children has a very good team oriented personal” shared by one of the caregivers of our CRS beneficiary.

Through this family retreat, all families have shared that it was a good and fun experience as they got to spend time together as a family, became more close knitted than ever before and also had a enjoyable time participating in the different activities and meeting other Club Rainbow families.

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Charity Transparency Award 2023

The Charity Transparency Award (CTA), in its 9th year, continues to recognise charities with good disclosure practices and excellent work of charities while inspiring others to emulate their practices. Club Rainbow was awarded the Charity Transparency Awards in 2018, 2019 and 2022. 

This year 2023, we are proud to share that we are being awarded the Charity Transparency Award once again!

Special Commendation Award for Operational Efficiency

Not only that, for the first time, Club Rainbow (Singapore) has been awarded a Special Commendation Award for Operational Efficiency, the award is only handed out to 5 charities this year and we are proud to be one of the charities to receive the award.  

In our efforts of achieving operational efficiency, our Management Council is committed to regularly reviewing its own effectiveness that that of the Club. Doing regular self-assessment and performance evaluations are crucial to ensure that we are progressing efficiently towards achieving our mission and vision to serve our beneficiaries and their families effectively. 

Adopting the Skills assessment Matrix and 360 Feedback provides us the panoramic view of the skill sets and experience among the members. Evaluative insights derived from the Skills Assessment Matrix are critical in building a diverse foundation and addressing potential gaps from leadership and management to niche skills. 

Also using the Impact Metrics, a family of measures critical to the success of our mission and key indicators are clearly defined to track operational effectiveness and efficiency. Measuring the staff capacity and mobilisation of resources in client engagement, the efficacy of programmes and the intervention strategies and the impact through the improvements in our beneficiaries and families’ quality of life allows us to progress towards our mission and vision. 

With constant benchmarking and regular networking with previous years, other social service agencies, charities in social media engagement, allows a better understanding of our performance and gaps in our service models, allowing us to improve our beneficiaries’ quality of life as well as our media content. 

In an era where transparency and accountability are paramount in the charity sector, being able to measure and communicate the impact of our efforts is essential. By implementing the Impact Metric, it has given us a deeper sense of purpose, provided external stakeholders with a clearer understanding of the impact that Club Rainbow has on the lives of our beneficiaries and their families

Celebrating Heroes 2023: Beacon of Hope

365 DAYS, 4 COMMENDABLE SIBLINGS, 3 SELFLESS CAREGIVERS AND 1 OUTSTANDING SIBLING WITH ONE COMMON MOTIVATION – A LOVED ONE.

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Celebrating Heroes, an original event by Club Rainbow (Singapore) has been honouring countless caregivers and siblings over the decade. Taking a hiatus from 2021, we continue to recognise these heroes walking in our midst.

Starting as Caregivers Appreciation Day, the event evolved to Celebrating Heroes (CH) in 2015, where the first Exemplary Caregiver Award was presented. Whilst the common saying goes ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ but the most important support comes together as a family unit. Siblings are often forgettable when immediate priorities surround children with chronic illnesses. Acknowledging these young ones as part of the core support system of the family, we appreciate outstanding siblings too who share the daily responsibilities of caring for their brother or sister together with their parents.

Exemplary Caregiver Awardees Panel Discussion

This year, we received numerous nominations for many caregivers and siblings from all walks of life and even ages. After many tear-jerking encounters from the interviews with nominated caregivers and siblings, we are proud to share this year’s Celebrating Heroes 2023: The Beacons of Hope – 1 commendable sibling, 3 selfless caregivers and 4 outstanding siblings! These awardees are true representatives of the many caregivers and siblings of Club Rainbow who give their time selflessly to their loved ones.

Joanna Yap and her daughter Amelia, Exemplary Caregiver Awardee

Meet Joanna Yap, mother to Amelia and one of the Exemplary Caregiver Awardees. To help Amelia reach her fullest potential, she spares no expenses in finding activities, interventions and different resources that will be able to enrich Amelia in her swimming abilities and baking skills. From enlisting the help of her friends to impart baking skills and bible knowledge to Amelia so that she will be able to learn things that are outside of her school curriculum. To developing Amelia’s passion in baking and now enrolled in a pastry course in Delta Senior School.

She has done a lot beyond just being a mother; ensuring that Amelia works towards the goal of becoming a national swimmer; becoming a kindergarten teacher so she could be better equipped to teach Amelia.

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Exemplary Sibling Awardee, Wen Xin

As much as Wen Xin remembers, her brother was born normal and she always loved playing with him, taking care of him and being the older sister. At the age of 6, Wen Jie was diagnosed with a rare condition, leukodystrophy. He then received a bone marrow transplant operation: however, after the operation his condition deteriorated and began to lose his speech, sight and physical ability.

Wen Xin shows great responsibility in caring for Wen Jie especially when their parents are not around, Watching her brother’s lost of ability first hand at a young age has caused her lots of distress growing up, needing the help of art therapy. However, she uses these experiences to share and help others who are going through similar situations.

Now at the age of 18, Wen Xin is one of the- Exemplary Sibling Awardees. She is helping Wen Jie with his daily needs like suctioning and NGT feeding. She is not only able to take care of Wen Jie but her other younger brother as well. She is also a part of our programme, Youths for Rare, where she took part in a human library project with NUS and NTU school of medicine where she shared her journey with Wen Jie to medical students, showing great determination and courage to fight alongside her brother.

To hear more of our awardees, watch the Celebrating Heroes 2023 videos here:

Exemplary Caregiver Award 2023

Exemplary Sibling Award 2023

SkateForGood Fundraiser

Speaking with Johan, a team member of SkateForGood fundraiser, we learned what
drives him to give back to the community. 

CRS: How did you find out about Club Rainbow (Singapore)?

Johan: We learned about Club Rainbow (Singapore) through conversations with various acquaintances. Their passion and dedication to supporting children and families facing chronic illnesses inspired us to delve deeper into their mission. "Skate For Good," our charitable initiative, combines our love for skating with a powerful purpose of making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. For every kilometer we skate, we strive to generate one dollar in donations, all dedicated to supporting Club Rainbow's work.

CRS: What motivated or inspired you to start a fundraiser for us?

 Johan: Our team of volunteers, connected by our shared love for Distance Skateboarding (also known as Long Distance Pushing or LDP), understands the positive impact our sport can have. We recognise that not everyone has equal opportunities, and despite our efforts to be inclusive, some may still face challenges. Distance skateboarding has taught us the invaluable lesson of confronting adversity head-on. Witnessing the incredible resilience and strength exhibited by Club Rainbow's beneficiaries in the face of adversity deeply moved us. This inspired a strong desire to contribute meaningfully. We firmly believe that every child deserves a chance at happiness and a fulfilling life. Supporting Club Rainbow's mission became our way of turning that belief into reality.

CRS: Have you encountered any challenges in your fundraising journey and how did you overcome those challenges?

Johan: Indeed, our fundraising journey was not without its share of challenges. At the outset, there were individuals who were initially hesitant to fully embrace our vision and idea. However, we were fortunate to have on board volunteers who not only dedicated their time & guidance.

Navigating the logistics and coordination of the fundraiser was another significant hurdle, especially since it was a grassroots initiative. Adapting to virtual platforms and devising innovative ways to engage potential donors presented a steep learning curve. Gratefully, with the guidance from Club Rainbow, the unwavering support of our distance skateboarding community and devoted volunteers, we managed to surmount these challenges.

Furthermore, there was the physical challenge of actually skating the pledged distances. Balancing the demands of rest, personal commitments, and contending with factors like weather conditions and health setbacks were all part of the journey. Some of our participants were beginners, and they experienced a genuine sense of accomplishment in covering hundreds of kilometers on a longboard, far beyond what they initially imagined possible.

CRS: How do you reach out to the community for your campaign?

 Johan: Our outreach strategy was multifaceted. We utilised various social channels to raise awareness about the campaign. We even have a Strava club to help keep everyone updated on our progress together. Additionally, we reached out to local businesses and extended the outreach to other roller sports and their communities, seeking participation through partnerships and sponsorships. Through constant engagement and regular updates on our progress, we aimed to engage and involve as many individuals and groups as possible.

CRS: you share words of encouragement for our beneficiaries and their families?

 Johan: To the beneficiaries and their families, we want to convey this message: You are not alone in this journey. Your strength, courage, and unwavering spirit serve as a true inspiration to us all. Remember, each day is a step forward, and even if it feels like the distance is too great, know that there is a wealth of support surrounding you. Embrace the small victories, lean on each other, and understand that brighter days lie ahead. Keep believing in yourselves and in the power of resilience. Club Rainbow is here for you, and so are countless others who deeply care about your well-being.

For more information about SkateForGood, visit their website here!

Stories of Volunteer Dedication and Impact #CRSvolunteers

Introducing Fiona, one of our volunteers from our 30th Anniversary Birthday Bash, she then joined Camp Rainbow as one of our volunteers.

Fiona is also a speech therapist, who has experience working with children and youths, who have Autism, ADHD and other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. She helped to produce content on “Understanding and Managing Children with special needs” which will be part of our e-training materials for new volunteers.

CRS: When did you start your volunteering journey and why did you decide to do it?

Fiona: I believe that no man is an island; its important to receive help and its equally crucial to reach out to others to build that community. Thus, after I settled into my first job after uni (and after the height of COVID), I decided to start volunteering at CRS. I started off with helping out randomly at the 30th anniversary carnival, then the rest is history!

CRS: What is volunteering to you?

Fiona: To me, its a sharing of hearts and hands in order to bring a smile on others' face, or make life better for another.

CRS: What contribution or achievement are you most proud of ?

Fiona: Hmmmm probably volunteering at CRS camp and creating a positive camp experience for my camper/group! It was my first time at the CRS camp this year, and I really saw how this camp was a significant event to both the beneficiaries and families. :')

CRS: What was the best thing about your time volunteering?

Fiona: Learning so much (big and small) from the beneficiaries, their families and other volunteers. And of course, all the positive relationships built in the process of the work done.

CRS: What skills did you gained through volunteering?

Fiona: It would be to listen closely and taking time to always put myself in the shoes of the beneficiary, instead of rushing to complete a task/objective.

CRS: What words of encouragement do you have for those that are starting their volunteering journey out there?

Fiona: My advice would be to not think about it anymore and just try! Sometimes we over-think the possibilities or doubt our ability to contribute or connect to others. But your presence itself can be a present to others - so just show up and get involved.

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Introducing Steve, one of our volunteer tutors for our beneficiaries.

Steve has been a volunteer tutor with Club Rainbow (Singapore) for a year.

CRS: Can you tell me about yourself?

Steve: My name is Steve and I’m an American who’s lived in Singapore for just over three years.  I am a professor of political science at Yale-NUS College. I love to read, play and watch basketball, and discover new restaurants with my amazing fiancée Marina. 

CRS: How long have you been a volunteer?

Steve: I have been a volunteer for almost one year

CRS: What is volunteering to you?

Steve: Volunteering is an opportunity to give back and contribute to something greater than oneself.

CRS: How have you benefitted from the volunteering experience?

Steve: By working towards a greater and collective goal, volunteering helps broaden my perspective of what matters in life. The rat race of work and my busy social life often narrows my interests towards what’s immediately in front of me. Volunteering puts my day-to-day life in perspective. It also makes me feel better about my week. No matter the week’s ups and downs, when I volunteer I know that I did at least one thing that week that hopefully helped someone else. Finally, as an expat, tutoring has been a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Singapore.

CRS: Were there any challenging moments?

Steve: Thankfully there have not been too many challenging moments. My tutee has been excellent. The hardest times for me were waking up very early in the morning for tutoring sessions when I was traveling to Singapore.

CRS: What motivates you to continue volunteering?

Steve: Volunteering adds meaning to my life by helping me contribute to something bigger than myself. It’s also an opportunity to give back. I would not be where I am today without the guidance of countless teachers, coaches and mentors. By volunteering, I strive to give back similar guidance and support to new generations of youth.

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Introducing Chantel, one of our volunteers of Camp Rainbow 2023, Chantel was one of the co-heads of the programmes team during camp.

CRS: Can you tell me about yourself?

Chantel: Hello! I am Chantel, a year 2 Business Management Student in Singapore Management University (SMU). Some things I like to do during my free time would be watching true-crime podcasts and spending time with my loved ones 

CRS: How long have you been volunteering?

Chantel: I became a volunteer at Club Rainbow since the beginning of this year, mainly for Camp Rainbow!

CRS: Why did you decide to volunteer for Camp Rainbow?

Chantel: It began with me wanting to help out in the community, and since I enjoy working with kids, I felt that a children's camp would suit me best! But as I was given more opportunities to interact with the beneficiaries of Club Rainbow (ie. Camp Prep Tea), I could see the amount of joy and fun they were having with the programmes that were meaningfully curated by my team and the staff. That really made me strive to make this year's Camp Rainbow a camp that would be unforgettable for all. 

CRS: How was it like taking up leadership roles?

Chantel: Initially it was rather daunting as I had no experience with planning activities for kids with special needs. I was worried that my activities planned would not be engaging enough for them. But with the help of the staff and the rest of the volunteers, we managed to tweak our activities in a way where it would better cater to the kids at Club Rainbow. At the end of the day, it was a fulfilling experience and one filled with growth

CRS: What did you learn from volunteering for Camp Rainbow?

Chantel: I learnt that the beneficiaries at Club Rainbow are just like any other child, they are young spirited individuals that are capable of having as much fun as any other could. There has always been a stigma against individuals with special needs, and through the planning and execution of Camp Rainbow, I feel more inclined to do what I can to break that stigma and help provide opportunities to the kids at Club Rainbow to live an equally fulfilling life. 

CRS: How would you encourage others to start volunteering? 

Chantel: Be brave and take that first step! You will find that the your efforts as a volunteer leave a positive impact on these kids, and I am sure you will be coming back for more