Run For Funds Blog Site ..... Making a difference in the lives that we touch
While we are not a charitable organisation appealing for funds from the general public, the Run For Funds project is non-profit and all proceeds are applied to the continued funding of educational and charitable purposes in the community.
Come and meet the 20 award recipients you've sponsored.
Please email or SMS me to RSVP.
Cheers,
aL
1.Why I won't be running this year's stanchart marathon
Yep, what I feared has come true.
I won't be taking part in this year's stanchart marathon.
Old injuries are working up.
I'm currently undergoing physiotherapy to manage a right lumbar (lower back) nerve impingement.
The condition is like a "mini" slipped disc condition caused by inter-vertebral disc degeneration (due to age, seriously, and previous injury).
The pain starts at the lower back and runs all the way down to my right calf (that's where the nerve runs).
The pain is sharp and throbbing and physio is helping me manage the pain and recover.
It's a long road to recovery (probably 4-6 months).
Whether I'll be able to run long distance again (ie more than 10 km) will depend on how I recover.
In the meantime, I'm discussing with friends alternate ways for RFF can raise funds for the needy..
2.RFF Activities
In RFF's 30th June 2008 update, the accounts were closed with
(a)RFF funds: $37,700
(b)D'joy fund: $9,514.10 ($13,390 was raised and $3,875.90 was spent on teaching aids and eye check up for a student)
a.Activities @ D'Joy Children's Centre
As shared previously, RFF undertook the challenge to upgrade the infrastructure and facilities @ D'Joy.
My friends at Lend Lease Singapore supported this effort (through their community initiatives) in 4Q 2008.
Led by Jerry O' Sullivan, Lend Lease and its sponsors upgraded the infrastructure for a significant portion of D'Joy: Painting, piping, ceiling boards and air-conditioning.
The quantum of the pro-bono work exceeded $15k.
Following Lend Lease's generous contribution, I worked with D'Joy to complete other upgrading projects (classrooms, kitchen, general admin office)
A total of $10,295.25 was spent (cheque was issued in March 2009.Details are available if you need them).
With these expenses, the $13,390 raised specifically for D'Joy was depleted and the shortfall was covered from the main RFF funds.
Note: In Jan 09, RFF sponsored $44 for another eye check-up for a D'Joy student.
As per my previous update, $6,000 was donated to help needy students and $1,500 for the a drop-in centre at SPS
c. Geylang Old People's Home
You'd recall RFF upgraded one ward at the home (new medical beds).
The administrator called to ask if I could help sponsor repair fees for its old laundry dryer.
It is used for old folks' clothes living at the home.
Upon further investigation, the machine was beyond repair.
So RFF sponsored a new $1,050 GE dryer for the home.
3.RFF Accounts
With the closure of the EDB chapter and funds fully disbursed, I took the opportunity to open a dedicated bank account for RFF @ DBS on 29th Dec 2008.
As of 1st Dec 2008, the balance of RFF funds were $38,664.10.
I rounded up the number to $39,000 on 29th Dec 2008
Expenses:
D'joy upgrading$10295.25
Eye check-up$44
Bank account charges (@$2/month)$14
Interest earned @ DBS: $46.10
Balance in bank account at 16 August 2009: $28,692.85
Note: With the $7,500 donation to SPS in 2008, there is a double tax deduction for it from my income tax.I will confirm the financial benefit of the tax credit and cycle it back to RFF funds.
For the 1st time in 6 marathons, I couldn't run past the finish line.
No triumphant hand-in-the-air photo opportunity.
I hobbled badly and inched slowly past the finish line.
For the first time in 6 marathons, with 250m of the 42km left, my mind told my legs to go left, they went right.
For the first time in 6 marathons, I walked the final 18km with one good shoe.
Despite the crazily siong (tough) SAF training which ended 2 days (Friday) before the marathon, I was physically tired but I felt in good shape.
The 2 weeks I spent in army uniform in the sun carrying stuff and maneuvering in the jungle probably helped condition me for the marathon.
So I spent the whole Saturday at home sleeping and by Sunday (7th Dec), 3 am, I was ready.
The first 21km was quite a pleasurable run. Completion time: 2h20min. I was on course to finish the marathon close to 5hours. There was a cool breeze (yes, I like "wind-assisted" runs) and again, at the 13 km mark, the African runners were on their way past the 26km, going the opposite way.
Then disaster struck.
At the end of this update is the SMS transcript between Jay (my buddy who went to support me with another chio-bu Grace, another runner).
I carry my mobile when I run marathons…. So I can order my cold tiger beer and meepoktah in advance for consumption @ the finish line.
(Warning: Some of the contents in the SMS transcript may not be suitable for those <18 years old).
When my right inner sole broke at the 24km mark, I knew I was in trouble.
There was no way I could run as the right foot had absolutely no cushioning and running would cause long term ankle and knee injury.
Walking the remaining 18km would mean there would be a lot of pain on the base of the foot.
Giving up wasn't an option………. No taxis in sight …. Hahaa !!
I had told myself many times before if I finished a marathon in more than 6 hours, I'd give up running.
This time I also knew finishing under 6 hours would be a huge challenge.
But since I have no plans to give up running so I solidered on …. Walk fast fast…..J
My finishing time: 5hr 57 min and the price to pay……… One mega blister (and there was another blister under this one... but it was too gross to take the pic).
Happy New Year everyone.
May you and your loved ones with blessed with good health in 2009.
Adrian
SMS Transcript
08:39 Adrian: 24km and my inner sole broke. Sh**!!
08:41 JayWalk: So how? Can tahan? You can sms while running or not?
08:41 Adrian: No. I had a gd run till my shoe broke. 08:42 Adrian: Will try to complete. Feet Damn pain.
08:43 JayWalk: Hang in there. Sms me if you need the distraction.
08:43 Adrian: Ok.
08:45 JayWalk: Need anything? I can pass it to you on your way.
08:46 Adrian: No thanks. Appreciate the company via sms. Haha!
09:11 JayWalk: Where are you now?
09:11 Adrian: Right no support. Hurts. Can feel blisters forming…. 09:12 Adrian: 14 km to go. One third left should be no prob.
09:12 JayWalk: Gambate! 09:36 JayWalk: See you at finish line.
09:36 Adrian: 30km. Getting over taken by Ah Soh not shiok. 09:38 Adrian: See Ah Soh VPL can puke.
09:46 JayWalk: Better than seeing Ah Soh camel toe
09:47 Adrian: Puke!
09:55 JayWalk: I am directly opp durian at the Cenotaph. Remeber to pose for picture (Jay: Which we didn't.)
09:56 Adrian: K 10:06 Adrian: 33km. No giving up now. My right foot hurts like ****
10:07 JayWalk: Less than 10 liao. Go go go 10:07 JayWalk: Need me to take chiobu photos for you > got mms?
10:08 Adrian: Quite low morale to see pple collapse along the way. Esp during the final stretch
10:09 JayWalk: You can take their power gel. I dun think they need it anymore. You got see FatKitteh?
10:10 Adrian: No mms 10:10 Adrian: No see her
10:26 JayWalk: where now?
10:26 Adrian: Approaching 36 in 3min
10:27 JayWalk: Less than macritchie liao!! 10:38 JayWalk: Reach durian buzz me
10:39 Adrian: Ok. Now cant walk properly. Struggling
10:42 JayWalk: What you wearing? Hang in there. Almost there.
10:43 Adrian: Wearing red thongs. I will get there
10:44 JayWalk: Flash me the red thongs for me to post online 10:59 JayWalk: Heart doing ok?
10:59 Adrian: Ok. Feet not ok
11:01 JayWalk: Stay in there. You are too close to give up. Hobble if you have to.
11:01 Adrian: Will do
11:02 JayWalk: How far are you?
11:03 Adrian: At 39km mark
11:03 JayWalk: A bit more means left 2.4 liao. Peanuts!
11:04 Adrian: Peanuts expensive
11:06 JayWalk: Welcome to singapore.
11:13 Adrian: 40km. 2 to go
11:14 JayWalk: Yeah baby!!
11:19 Adrian: Approaching durian
11:20 JayWalk: At the bus stop at the turn
11:35 Adrian: I finish liao 12:05 Adrian: In bright orange rff t shirt (Jay and Grace totally missed me at the finish line !!)
Yep, I'm serving my military reserve training from 24th Nov to 5th Dec (Fri).
It's surprising that the SAF still needs me.
Perhaps to show how things shouldn't be done during military exercises J
You guys know the Stanchart Marathon is on 7th Dec.
I've had my final long training run last night (Sat) and won't have the chance to train again till the actual run itself.
Reason: My unit is going to the jungle from Mon to Thurs and it would be absolutely insane for me to jog in the wilderness with my boots on (and I can't shower after the run too !!).
In this period, we'll be deploying our equipment and there will be sleepless (mosquito-filled, non-aircon) nights.
Needless to say, the training will take a toll on my physical well-being.
So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't get injured or sick.
My target time this year …….. 5h 30 min (with my nipples intact at the end of the run ….. if you recall what happened last year).
Wish me luck.
This year, RFF will not be raising funds during the 2008 Stanchart Marathon.
We have enough reserves to fund RFF beneficiaries for 2009.
Some of you have offered cheques for RFF 2008 which I've asked you to either hold the contribution for 2009RFF fund-raising or direct it to a cause in need of urgent support.
Economic conditions are bad and markets are depressed.
We should be prepared for a rough ride in 2009.
In such challenging times, those who are originally in need (due to their lack of skills or poor education background) could ask for more support.
If RFF runs short of funds in 2009, I'll give you guys a shout.
I will be closing RFF accounts for 2008 after my 42km run on 7th Dec.
Will give you guys a detailed breakdown of expenses in 2008.
The major ones are (1) $1.5k for Semb Pri School drop-in centre (2) $6k for Semb Pri day care / low income families fund (3) $20k for D'Joy renovation funds.
Talk to you guys in 2 weeks time.
Cheers,
aL
p/s I wonder how much my brain has been damaged during my reservist training (activities are really non-cerebral) …… J
It was attended by the award recipients, their parents and sponsors & friends of the Run For Funds movement. The event was graced by GMPS's principal Miss Mabel Wee. Recipients Jacky Thng and Lim Su Ru kicked off proceedings bidding everyone welcome and introducing the MYP programme.
MYP attendees Jacky and Su Ru, our little MCs
GMPS then gave an update on the progress of the MYP students. In the past 5 years, the MYP and pocket money fund @ GMPS have supported more than 50 students. The current batch of primary 6 batch have done well in their academic results, achieving average scores >75%.
This year, we celebrate the influx of new talent into the MYP programme. There are 8 new MYP award recipients from primary 3 and 4. If they continue to excel in both academic studies and CCA, coupled with good behaviour, MYP will continue to sponsor them through their primary school education.
Below are the pics of awards (@ $200 posb voucher, $50 book voucher, $100 training grants) handed out by Miss Wee:
Benjamin (P6) Su Ru ((P6)
Xiang Wei (P6) Jacky (P6)
Zhiguang (P5) Angie (P5)
Quan Fang (P4) Joyce (P4)
Kelvin (P4) Kok Kwang (P4)
Jee Hui (P4) Hui Ci (P4)
Jun Hsian (P3) Yi En (P3)
I congratulated the students on a job well done and encouraged them to keep up the good work. I shared with them why doing well in school is like running a marathon: One needs to train hard, be well prepared and NEVER GIVE UP.
I also thanked their parents for working hard and continuing to create the best possible environment to nurture their children's talent, despite challenging financial circumstances. I related the story of how Chinese philosopher Mencius' mother moved house 3 times to ensure Mencius had the best environment for studies. I urged the children to thank their parents for their labour of love and honour their parents (as per the 5th commandment that was given to Moses @ Mount Sinai).
Miss Wee presented the friends of RFF with a memento, in appreciation of our contributions.
The "old" batch of MYP winners also presented RFF friends a card, expressing their thanks.
Below is a group pic of the award winners, their parents and teachers. I'd like to draw special mention to 2 special people, without whom, MYP and pocket money fund @ GMPS would not have been possible. - Jessie Soh (front row, extreme right) - Theresa Thong (extreme left).
I thank them for their dedication and love for the kids.
Parting words, (which I shared with RFF friends @ MYP ceremony):
RFF is a private movement and will continue to stay this way. We will not raise funds from the general public but from friends and family. It is my wish that more Singaporeans will start their own charity movements to help the needy at times when they need it most (ie. when our government system of support cannot assist). To do so, there are 2 criteria:
1. It starts within: Be the change that you want to see in the world. There needs to be a compelling desire to evoke a change.
2. It extends outwards: Making a difference in the lives that you touch. Find a cause that you can identify with and let your desire and passion to help those in need flow through.
Start small. You can't save the world. How the plans will be executed will come naturally when the above criteria are met. You will find like minded people (like Mabel, Jessie and Theresa @ GMPS), who will help you further your cause.
Well, that's all folks. To friends who attended the ceremony, thank for making time. For those who couldn't make it, there's always next year :-)
Run For Funds Maximize Your Potential Award Ceremony (13th Sept, Sat, 10 am @ GMPS)
Hi folks,
The annual Maximize Your Potential (MYP) award ceremony is here again. Date: 13th September (Saturday) Time: 10 am Venue: Geylang Methodist Primary School (3rd level conference room). Address: 4 Geylang East Central. S(389706)
Come meet the GMPS kids, some of whom you've sponsored for the past 5 years. Learn about their academic progress in school and how they've excelled in activities outside their schoolwork. Also use the opportunity to interact with their parents. I'm sure they'd appreciate a pat on their backs for bringing their kids up well, despite their financial challenges.
As there'll be friends visiting the MYP award for the first time, I will be giving a short briefing on Run For Funds (RFF), its goals (what we're doing @ D'joy children's centre and Sembawang Pri School) and the state of finance. If you have friends who are keen to start something on their own to help the underprivileged in S'pore, invite them to this event. If friends of RFF can do it, anyone can J
As GMPS will be catering light snacks for the event, I'd appreciate if you could RSVP by 6th Sept (Sat). You can also sms me
The final cheque for RFF 2007 arrived in June from an Australian friend.
Accounts are officially closed.
Through your generous contributions, a total of $13,390 was raised for D’Joy Children’s Centre.
Thank you for your generosity.
Below are the latest updates.
1. Closing of RFF EDB Chapter Account
Since our last update, I received the official receipt from Geylang Methodist Primary School (GMPS) confirming the receipt of $16,228.82 from the EDB Chapter of RFF.
(Note: $16,160.59 was raised.The incremental account was interest earned).
This money will be used for the continued support of the Maximise Your Potential Programme and Pocket Money Fund @ GMPS.
This also means that accounts for EDB Chapter of RFF is closed as all monies raised by EDB has been channeled to charitable purposes.
I’d like to thank Julian Ho for being an excellent custodian of the EDB Chapter funds and I wish the EDB-ians all the best in their charitable work.
I’m glad RFF was able to ignite the EDB-ian’s passion to contribute back to society.
2.Financial Status at 29th June 2008
As per the Oct 07 update, available RFF funds (excluding EDB Chapter funds) were $36,942.52
As the monies were kept in a current account, I’ve applied a 1.0% interest per year (2 years) for unutilized funds and rounded up the figures to $37,700.
You’d also recall that funds for D’Joy will be used exclusively for D’Joy.
Carry over RFF funds from 2007 (non D’Joy): $37,700 …….(1)
D’joy Funds: $13,390 ……. (2)
(1) and (2) will be managed separately.
3.Updates @ D’Joy
The first phase RFF assistance @ D’joy has been targeted at (1) creating better teaching tools (2) setting up an emergency medical fund.
To date, RFF has purchased, amongst other things, a Compaq notebook, Epson LCD projector, Mipro portable PA system, teaching aids and helped pay for an eye checkup for a child from D’Joy.
Total expense: $3,875.90.
You’d recall that D’joy, while extremely well kept and tidy, is in need of a fresh lick of paint and facility improvement.
The remainder of the RFF funds (for D’Joy) $9514.10 could be depleted to fund centre renovation works.
Djoy has applied for state subsidies for these works.
For approved projects by government (MCYS), Djoy is still expected to fork out a percentage of the cost.
RFF will aim to cover this cost.
D’Joy has appointed a new centre director, Charis Ng.
I’ll be working with her re the management of the funds.
Donna Tsang, her predecessor, has been posted Bethany Methodist Nursing Home.
I thank Donna for the help and dedication @ D’Joy.
4.RFF goes to Sembawang Primary School (SPS)
After several meetings with the school welfare staff and principal, I’ve assessed them to have the passion and compassion to help needy students.
As such, RFF will be providing financial assistance to SPS in the following areas.
a. Day care for needy kids
SPS welfare co-ordinator (Jen) shared with me 7 cases (1 pending assessment) that the school is sponsoring, post MCYS grants.
I trust the school’s judgment in sponsoring these cases and I recognize that this will be a huge strain on the school’s finances.
RFF is prepared provide 50% subsidy (up to max of $6,000) to cover 12 months (July 08 to June 09) of day care service for these kids.
Why have I not committed to a longer term?
I believe the kids are placed there due to extenuating circumstances and there is a lack of short term solutions to alleviate their problems.
12 months should be ample time for the families to sort out their difficulties.
It should also buy them time to seek other governmental assistance (if any).
It should also give SPS time to seek other sponsorships to meet this need post June 09.
b. Maximise Your Potential (MYP) programme
This has been implemented successfully at Geylang Methodist Primary School (GMPS) for the past 5 years and will be extended to SPS.
For SPS, Jen and I agreed to pick students from P3 and 4 from the top classes (5 from each standard)
Funds will be set aside to see this batch of kids through primary school.
Ie. For one pri 3 kid, $350 x 4 years ($1,400) will be set aside.
If I assume the max funding based on 10 kids all Pri 3 (assuming no P4 kid is identified), the total funding will be $14,000.
If there are less than 10 kids identified, it’s fine.
We will also have a yearly award ceremony where the principal, teachers and sponsors get to meet their kids and their families.
c. Drop in centre for kids at risk
A drop in centre @ SPS will be set up to house kids at risk after school hours.
Jen showed me the breakdown of costs for setting up the centre.
RFF will sponsor fixtures ie the table and chairs + shelves ($1,500).
I’ll also source for a table soccer and paying using RFF funds.
d. Medical bill fund + pocket money fund
Details need to be provided and assessed based on the need of the school.
So akan dating here.
If you have further queries or ideas to better aid needy kids, please give me a call.
There are those who are born to run like the wind…… Example: Singapore Marathon 2007 winner, Kenyan Elijah Mbogo in a time of 2h 14 min.
Then, there are those can run really fast but never bothered to try .....
Example: Run For Funds supporter Dr Beh Swan Gin.
He completed his first marathon in a staggering 4h 5 min.
This places him in the top 8% of the runners for the marathon.
Swan Gin – I salute you. Kowtow, kowtow.
Finally, there are those who simply cannot run but insist on doing so……
My finishing time: 5h 52min.
I finished @ the 63rd percentile, ahead of turtles, men running backwards wearing flippers etc.
This is the slowest time I've clocked in the past 5 years.
Many of you sms-ed me to check how I did and more importantly, did my 5th battle to the finish line with the ah pek materialize.
Re ah pek, I did not see him.
I'm pretty sure the ah pek was already on his way home when I crossed the finish line.
For many reasons, compared to previous years, I was happiest and most relieved when I crossed the finish line this year. Here are some of them.
1.Finished under target time of 6 hours.
My promotion to papa-dom on 9th Nov posed a huge constraint on my training schedule in the final 6 weeks before the marathon.
The lack of sleep also took a toll on my physical well-being.
I was Mr Grouchy (still am), really !
2.Comeback from injuries
Back, shoulder, thigh and calf strains were common since June 07 despite me taking adequate precautions.
The most serious one happened in end Oct, after my US trip.
Tendonitis of the left knee due to overexertion using the gym Nordic ski machine.
The ski-action was not something I was used to and it caused a severe strain.
My left knee swelled and I couldn't walk properly for several days after consulting a sports injury specialist.
Thank God, I was able to recover in 9 days to resume light training again, by which time was set back a few weeks.
3.Running blind - My heart rate monitor strap broke
Since 2002, I've used the heart rate monitor for my training runs.
This is to ensure that I do not over-exert myself during training and the actual marathon - I kia-see (scare to die) lah.
During this year's run, my heart rate monitor chest strap gave me a lot of problems.
It started slipping off at 3 km intervals in the first 21km.
I easily wasted 10 min stopping to readjust.
At the 22km mark, the strap finally snapped.
So from that point, I was running "blind".
I wasn't sure if I was running optimally based on my heart rate.
But to prevent damage to my heart (yes, I do have one), I decided to use the Roxette's rule ie. "Listen to your heart".
Each time, if I listened carefully, when my heart was saying: "Why the heck are you torturing me?", I slowed down or walked.
Hence when I finished, I wasn't tired at all.
4.The weather was scorching !!
The sun was blazing down on the slow runners like me from 8 am (2.5 hrs from the starting time). Many less experienced runners collapsed along the way due to heat exhaustion.
Coupled with my "running blind" problem which slowed me down significantly, I had lapsed into "slow grill" mode.
I'm pretty sure people who overtook me smelled me frying in my own lard.
I also checked to ensure that people behind me didn't slip on my "oil leak".
At the 26km mark (around 8.30 am), I called home.
My wife was still sleeping in the aircon comfort of our room.
That broke my will and for the first time, I considered giving up.
Again, with the grace of God, I overcame that severe test and continued plodding along, running from shade to shade, drink station to drink station. When I crossed the finish line, my face was sunburnt.
5.I have 1.5 nipples left
You see, abrasions are BAD news to runners.
Male runners suffer from nipple abrasions from shirts and groin abrasions from shorts.
I use "nip guards" to prevent nipple abrasions. There is REALLY such a product.
Run For Funds 2007: Running my last marathon for D'Joy Children's Centre
Yep, folks, I've decided to join the obese couch potato club.
But seriously, this year's 42km run could be my 5th and my last.
2 major reasons:
1.The arrival of my baby daughter in Nov 07.Those of you who are parents can empathise with me. It's really hard to dig into my energy reserves to train in the midst of round the clock feeds for the baby.
2.I'm using more ko-yok (medicated patches) than an 80 year old ah pek.I cannot but admit that age has finally caught up.My temple, I mean… body, is approaching ruins (like Angkor Wat).I've become rather injury prone and it takes me longer to recover from muscle aches after training runs.
Coupled with my promotion to Papa-dom and demotion to Ah Pek-dom, the demand of my training time for the marathon becomes too much.
=> I typically have to spend an average of four 2hr sessions each week training for the run, 6 months a year.
Ok, enough of my sob story …. Who knows, with blue (ahem!) pills and exotic animals parts (yep, the unmentionables), I may be able to run the full 42km in 2008 J
Now, on to RFF 2007.
This year, unlike other years, my Superfriends and I will be running to raise funds solely for the non-profit D'Joy Children's Centre @ Blk 1, Maude Road near Mustafa Centre, near Jalan Besar Stadium. .
Why D'Joy?
D'joy runs day care services for up to 120 children from ages 2 to 14 from the Jalan Besar neighbourhood.
They cater to children from low income, single-parent or dysfunctional families.A number of them are referred by the MCYS (Govt agency that oversees social welfare amongst other things), social service agencies and schools with problems ranging from social behaviour, learning difficulties to physical and emotional abuses.
D'joy receives no operational funding from the Government.Finances are raised through the nominal fees charged for daycare services, donations from well wishers and charitable organizations. The centre faces many challenges managing a shoestring budget and to make ends meet.
The facilities are basic, clean and extremely tidy. But, to me, the centre is rather run down and could use a fresh lick of paint and some upgrades. However, budgetary constraints limit the maintenance work that can be done.Recently, I found a good Samaritan in my friend Jerry O' Sullivan, who mobilized other good Samaritans to repair leaking toilets, rewire the lights and other repair jobs for free.
If D'joy doesn't stay afloat financially, the good work that is done there ceases.The children lose a safe haven and will be left to their own devices and may be exposed to undesirable influences outside school.
Click here to see D'Joy's write up by Donna Tsang, Centre Director.
This year I look forward to your generous contributions to help D'Joy.
I am cognizant of the fact that the funds raised may not keep it afloat long term if the finances continue to be dire.
However, every single day we keep underprivileged kids off the streets is a cause, I feel, worth giving to.
