Swimmers, safety paddlers, and the tireless folks from Children’s Aid Society (CAS) had a rough but eventful day at the third annual Elevate Open Water Charity Swim Challenge.
Hosted by Elevate Performance Coaching, this event has quickly become a staple for Singapore’s water sports community.
This year, over 100 participants took the plunge to raise funds for CAS, specifically to support its Melrose Village project, a transformative vision for children and youths facing challenging family circumstances.
Among the brave souls were Ironman podium finishers and World Championship qualifiers, backed by stand-up paddleboarders from SUP Ventures and Singapore Paddle Club. Even lifesaving volunteers from Singapore Polytechnic showed up in force.
Together, they covered distances of up to 10,000 meters. Their collective efforts paid off; the event smashed its $10,000 fundraising target, with all proceeds going towards the transformation of CAS’s Clementi Road premises into the new Melrose Village.
For over five decades, Melrose Home has stood as a sanctuary for children and youths navigating tough life situations. But in 2019, the discovery of asbestos necessitated its closure.
Melrose Village now takes its place, a purpose-built facility designed to meet evolving needs. Apartment-style living for Melrose Home residents, dedicated accommodations for youths transitioning out of care, and enhanced spaces for family visits, recreational activities, counselling, and therapy.
Since its inception in 2022, the Elevate Open Water Charity Swim has grown in both scale and impact. In its first year, it raised $11,547, followed by $10,100 in 2023. This year’s event saw an even bigger turnout, with swimmers, paddlers, and volunteers banding together to make a difference.
Arthur Tong, founder of Elevate Performance Coaching, shared his reflections: “Organising a charity event is like an endurance race, there are highs, lows, and unexpected challenges, like this morning’s rain. But the community’s dedication and the cause’s importance keep us going. When you see the impact of your efforts, it’s a humbling reminder of why we do this.
want to get involved?
CAS and Elevate are always on the lookout for more hands on deck. Whether it’s participating in future events or supporting their mission through donations, every bit helps.
For more information, visit Children’s Aid Society’s website or reach out directly at partnerships@childrensaidsociety.org.sg.
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