titled ‘Centre of Asia’.
More than 3,000 families, cyclists and beneficiaries celebrated two milestones – Singapore’s Golden Jubilee (SG50) and the 130th Anniversary of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS 130) – at Wheels for GOOD, a charity event organised by Methodist Welfare Services (MWS). The event on 15 Aug 2015 at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park was graced by Guest of Honour Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Health, and Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore, the Rev Dr Wee Boon Hup.
Two rides to celebrate two milestones – SG50 Scenic Ride and MCS 130 Fun Ride
The Wheels for GOOD event flagged off with the SG50 Scenic Ride (50 km) that covered scenic spots around Singapore such as Upper Thomson and Punggol. This was followed by the MCS 130 Fun Ride (13 km), which took riders around the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Longest Relay with Bicycle Rims at the Wheely Fun Family Carnival
Minister Gan launched the Wheely Fun Family Carnival with Bishop Dr Wee, and were joined by Mr David Wong (Chairperson of MWS), Mr Albert Lim (Chairperson of the Wheels for GOOD Organising Committee), Mrs Jenny Bong (Group Executive Director of MWS) and Mr Rob Burrough (Principal of Anglo-Chinese School (International)).
The group led by Minister Gan also set a Singapore Record (adjudicated by the Singapore Book of Records) in using their hands to perform the longest bicycle rim rolling relay, along with 200 other carnival-goers (pic above).
The Wheely Fun Family Carnival featured performances from various Methodist schools as well as wheels-themed activities for families, young and old, and GOOD beneficiaries. Carnival-goers relived the childhood game of rolling bicycle rims with a stick (separate from the relay), and took part in various group and individual activities such as Wheelchair Basketball Challenge, inline skating challenge, kids’ roller-racing and Human Foosball Challenge.
The Wheels for GOOD event was the culmination of the Getting Out of Debt or GOOD programme that was initiated by MWS in January this year to reach out to families in need who are struggling with debt from everyday living. Members from 46 Methodist churches as well as business and foundation partners, such as Far East Organization, Lee Foundation and BinjaiTree Foundation, donated a total of $3.1 million to the GOOD Programme.
More than 600 families, identified through 42 agencies including MWS’ Covenant, Daybreak and Tampines Family Service Centres and partner agencies, would have between $2,000 and $5,000 of debt lifted from their shoulders. Through this debt clearance programme, families can now start on a fresh slate, manage their finances better and build assets.
MWS takes a 360° multi-programme approach to help our beneficiaries overcome their complex challenges over the long term. They are able to tap on integrated services under the MWS umbrella such as casework counselling, befriending support, debt management programmes, financial assistance, as well as tutoring, bursaries and after-school care for the children.
Mrs Jenny Bong, MWS Group Executive Director, said: “Many families in need find it challenging to plan for the future, invest in their children’s education, or build assets and savings when they are beset by mounting chronic debts. By clearing their debt, the GOOD Programme provides a fresh start, so they can take concrete steps out of the poverty cycle, such as managing their money, and starting to save.
“To help them further, MWS will roll out a debt management programme, which will match their payments to clear chronic debts or when they put aside money to save.”
FIND OUT more about how MWS helps families in distress – visit www.mws.sg/families
Photos courtesy of Methodist Welfare Services
By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team