"500 people hiking 50km to raise $50,000 for our pioneer generation"
An organisation called 50cube is hoping to raise $50,000 for the “pioneer generation” in Singapore.
The organisation was founded on the nation’s 50th birthday, which coincided with the passing of forefather Mr Lee Kuan Yew. The organisation aims to spread awareness about the pioneer generation who helped to transform Singapore into the incredible nation it is today.
“Contrary to the belief that the elderly are irrelevant and outdated, their stories are so valuable. There is so much we can learn from them like the value of hard work and of putting others before one’s self.”
Last year, the organisation rallied more than 50 people, who hiked 50km across Singapore to raise $50,000 for the elderly. This year, the organisation hopes to raise yet another $50,000 with the help of 500 walkers.
So far, $20,000 has been raised over two months, with 17 companies showing their support and an online community showing their backing. Local celebrities have also shown their support and have spoken up about the cause.
The organisation has started the hashtag “#TheirStoriesOurFuture” to show the importance of learning from the pioneer generation. CEO of the Alzheimer’s Disease Association, John Foo, said, “to me, these stories are important. It is only through these stories that we learn from their experiences. If we don’t care for the elderly or don’t focus on the elderly, basically we are telling the people in Singapore that we only want you when you are young and productive. Once you are old there is no place for you in Singapore, and I think that’s very sad.”
The organisation hopes to raise $50,000 for their selected beneficiaries – the residents at Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home (LAMH) and the Caregiver’s Training Programme at Alzheimer’s Disease Association (Singapore).
The hike will take place on 19 November 2016. Participants must register with the website by purchasing tickets.
Be a #50cubehiker