SingHealth Polyclinic’s staff-led fundraising hike raises more than $47,500 for the SHP Gift of Family Fund.

For most of November last year, when it was time to knock off from work, Vincent Wong, Daniel Soh, Yip Sing Keat and Andy He from Polyclinics Development, SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) would swop their office attire for sportswear. The four SHP colleagues would hike between 5km to 10km every day, and on certain days, they would be joined by their bosses and colleagues. All of them were part of the 123 staff who participated in last year’s edition of the SHP M.A.D (Move Against Diabetes) Hike.

Organised by SHP Development Office, the second annual M.A.D Hike was a virtual campaign held from 10 to 30 November 2021 in commemoration of World Diabetes Day on 14 November. Staff hiked close to 8,500 km in total to raise funds for the SHP’s Gift of Family Fund and to raise awareness on management and prevention of diabetes.

“Besides our hikes after work, we did a 33 km cross island hike which started from Jurong and ended in Punggol. This was the longest distance we covered together as a team, and all in all, we hiked 1,108km, all for a good cause,” shared Daniel. “We not only were able to keep fit, but also bond and play a part in raising funds for a worthy cause.”

Another hiking team comprised June Tan, Stephanie Teo, Lam Woan Ching and Cindy Goh, from Nursing Administration. “We were a fairly competitive team and would find ways to clock our distances. Sometimes, we would even walk around the office during lunch just to clock the steps,” June revealed with a laugh.

Besides clocking the distance, participants also spread the message about the importance of diabetes prevention and the challenges faced by diabetes patients who are in need They also “walked the talk” literally and went the extra mile to make a donation before reaching out to families, friends and colleagues.

“Initially, the response to our fundraising efforts was lukewarm. However, we persevered in reaching out and were very encouraged when others too began to see the difference they could make in helping patients with diabetes,” the teams shared. “We are also very grateful to Singapore Pools who came onboard to support us as the main sponsor, with a donation of $20,000!”

Both the teams’ efforts paid off with the Nursing Team clinching the Top Fundraising Team Award while the Polyclinics Development team bagged the Longest Distance Title from the team category. All winners walked away with prizes from the sponsors.

Over $47,500 was raised in total at the end of the fundraising campaign. The funds raised will provide assistance to patients in need from SHP, including diabetic patients who need financial support to help them manage their condition.

You too can play a part in making a difference in the lives of the needy patients and families. To make a gift to the Gift of Family Fund, click here.. For more information, visit www.polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg or email givingtoshp@singhealth.com.sg. Every donation will go directly to improve patient care and support for SHP patients.