Uniting Hearts and Muscles: President’s Challenge 2023

By Jenn Toh

10/11/2023 12:00:00 AM | Stories from the Heart (NHCS)

The article is contributed/written by

Did you know that SingHealth has supported the President’s Challenge since 2004? For nearly two decades, NHCS remains an unwavering supporter of the President’s Challenge, steadfastly dedicating efforts to help the less forunate in our society. This year, NHCS continued to rally and contributed actively to the SingHealth President’s Challenge 2023 (SHPC23), themed “Caring Hands, Compassionate Hearts”. Various departments and staff organised and participated a wide range of fundraising activities, encouraging everyone to contribute generously to raise funds for the those in need.

Creativity in Action

Fundraising efforts in NHCS kicked off with pledge card drive in July, followed by a series of institution-based fundraising activities from sales of adorable household merchandise, indoor plants, to delicious snacks and mouthwatering baked goodies. This year, some departments went all way out in creative ways such as dressing up to themes and roving ‘door-to-door' push cart sales, making it a truly diverse and interesting experience.

"As a means to pay homage to our forefathers, our Director suggested that we bring this group of "support players" to the limelight. These tau huay sellers or hawkers support workers by providing meals and nutrition, much like how our Support Services provide support to all our departments in NHCS,", shared Mr Muhammad Zulfathi Mohamed Amir, Executive, Operations, Support Services.

Tau huay and kacang puteh sellling by nhcs staff

Tau huay and kacang puteh sellling by nhcs staff

Our Support Services colleagues (left) peddled ‘tau huay’ (beancurd) in traditional kampung outfits while colleagues from Corporate Development Department dressed up as ‘kachang puteh man and woman’ peddling roasted nuts.

Two charity bazaars were organised at Level 2, where vendors generously contributed a portion of theirs sales proceeds to SHPC23.

The claw machines brought in by our Nursing department were a tremendous hit. Many colleagues were sighted making repeated visits to try their luck at winning prizes!

Flexing Fitness and Compassion

Two of SingHealth’s flagship fundraising programmes, the ‘Spirit of SingHealth Challenge’ and ‘SingHealth 12 Peaks Challenge’ have also garnered significant attention. Various NHCS staff took part in the ‘Spirit of SingHealth Challenge’, while 11 colleagues from Cardiac Clinic challenged themselves and fellow teammates to reach the peaks of all 11 SingHealth institutions through a relay challenge the SingHealth 12 Peaks Challenge.

"While running for the NHCS Run for Heart Health challenge along the east coast park, I couldn't help but think of my patients. Their silent courage, strength, and resilience inspire me as much as I hope to inspire them. I'm glad that my passion for running has helped the beneficiaries," shared Assoc Prof Ching Chi Keong, Director of Electrophysiology and Pacing.

Our NHCS Fundraising Champions (from left: Assoc Prof Ching Chi Keong, Nurse Clinician Yang Yang, Assoc Prof Yeo Khung Keong, Asst Prof Koh Choong Hou, and Assoc Prof Chin Chee Tang) for ‘Spirit of SingHealth Challenge’ raises about $7.2k for the needy, all while they track their calories and distances!

SingHealth 12 Peaks Challenge - NHCS Cardiac Clinics Team

12 colleagues from Cardiac Clinics formed a team and participated in the ‘SingHealth 12 Peaks Challenge’ on 12 September 2023, bonding through sweat and much fun.

Ms Josephine Ng from the Cardiac Clinics, also Chair for this year’s NHCS President’s Challenge Committee, shared her experience, saying, “There was great camaraderie, and everyone enjoyed the relay challenge, with most of us visiting other institutions for the first time too!” Her words echoed the sentiment of many who participated in the relay challenge, highlighting the bonds forged while supporting a common cause. Josephine also expressed immense gratitute to her department and everyone else for their wholehearted response to SHPC23. She was proud to share that as of end-September, NHCS has raised over $50,000.

Reaching out with Caregivers Alliance

On top of the fundraising activities, this year the NHCS team also held a meaningful outreach activity together with Helthcare Services Employees’ Union (HSEU) and Singapore General Hospital (SGH) for one of the beneficiaries, Caregivers Alliance Limited. The team extended an invitation to Caregiver Alliance for a planned workshop, which included a mental well-being talk by Psychologist Dr Evelyn Boon, followed by a batik arts activity.

Participants from Caregivers Alliance had the opportunity to paint their own personalised batik pieces to take home, while also collaborating together on a larger communal artwork.

The SingHealth President’s Challenge Grand Finale 2023 will take place on 21 October 2023, where SingHealth will present the total funds raised to the Guest of Honour, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement revealing the final amount raised at the grand finale!

A big thank you to all our colleagues for their steadfast support and unwavering dedication towards SHPC23!