Disabled librarian takes on three-day journey around
S'pore for charity
SINGAPORE : Charitable contributions may be drying up
during these tough times, but one disabled man hopes to counter
that by raising S$200,000.
So far, he has only raised S$67,000 of his target by making a
three-day journey around Singapore and fundraising will continue
until he meets it.
Librarian Dennis Kweh suffers from spinal sclerosis which has
stunted his growth, and he has weak lungs so he tires easily.
But that hasn't stopped him from organising and completing a
three-day sports quest to raise funds for charity.
Starting off from Pasir Ris, Kweh travelled on all types of
terrain, through housing estates, forest trails and finally through
the city centre, completing a total of 200 kilometres.
Kweh said he encountered many challenges on his journey, and
travelling in the intense heat was by far one of the most difficult
part of his journey.
Travelling with eight volunteers, Kweh kept hydrated throughout the
three days.
"The first day was the longest day. We started at 10 am and ended
at almost 10:30 at night. It was an endurance test for everyone,
not just myself," said Kweh.
But it was also support from his employer that helped him complete
his journey.
"The senior management was very supportive and they encouraged NLB
(National Library Board) staff to be part of this whole process.
There were people who actually came out and said I will volunteer
to run with you, keep you company and keep pace along the way,"
said Trudy Loh. assistant director of Community Partnership &
Outreach, Natioinal Library Board.
Member of Parliament Penny Low who joined Kweh for parts of the
journey looks forward to working with him in future.
The money raised is for the Spastic Children's Association of
Singapore to invest in assistive devices for the disabled, such as
Kweh's motorised wheelchair which has helped him through his
arduous charitable journey.
- CNA /ls