MagiKats, a Math and English enrichment centre for children, has, through its Principals and staff, rallied more than 265 participants. Meanwhile, Knight Frank, Singapore’s leading international property consultancy, has pledged to round up more than 300 employees across its numerous business units to turn up in slippers for the event. The largest group size at last year’s race was 153.
“This is the first time we are rallying our colleagues and their families to come together to participate in the Slipper Race for a good cause. We hope to be able to raise the awareness of this wonderful event that supports needy children from lower-income families. We will also be working with ComChest & Compassion Fund to bring a group of beneficiaries to join us at the event,” says Ms Lydia Sng, Managing Director, Knight Frank Pte Ltd.
Meanwhile, individuals like Mdm Jenap Said, 53, and pop duo Hariz & Lincoln, have also stepped forward to support the fund-raiser using their skills and talents. Better known as Singapore’s ‘Catwoman’, Mdm Jenap – who has completed 42 full marathons – has traded her running shoes for a pair of Crocs slippers to raise funds for the slipper race. Her first-ever ‘walk-for-charity’ feat will see her walk – instead of run – from Project Happy Feet’s office at 1 Jalan Pisang Road to the flag-off point at Angsana Green, East Coast Park to join the participants at 8am on 4 November 2012. For going the distance, Mdm Jenap is asking the public to support her by donating directly to the fund via a dedicated webpage on the event website www.phfslipperrace.org
Inspired by the story of Project Happy Feet, Hariz&Lincoln, which got together in 2011 and became finalists in a local radio’s singer-songwriter competition, penned a song entitled ‘Run’ as the theme song for this year’s Slipper Race. The song was recorded at LASALLE College of the Arts and would be made available via social media later this month. The band will play to 8,000 registered participants and will also be launching their first album.
“It’s heartening to note that corporates and individuals are responding to the call for participation,” says Ms Jackie Yong, Chairperson of HP Singapore Social Impact Committee. HP Singapore is the Principal Partner for this year’s slipper race. It is supporting not only through cash sponsorship, but also getting their employees engaged in the organisation of the event. It is currently rallying its employees to take part as well. “We hope many more corporate organisations and individuals will sign up to support this cause.”
For an event organized entirely by volunteer to succeed, various organisations play a crucial role. Apart from HP Singapore, the event received strong support from community partner South East Community Development Council; Youth Activist Partner Young NTUC; key partners including Official Energy Beverage Milo, Official Creative Agency Thinking Designs; Official Web Programmer WSM; Official Training Partner Right Impact Training; Official Venue Partner NParks; and also sponsors including Ben & Jerry’s, B H S Kinetic, Broadway Industrial Group Limited, Food Empire, Gardenia, into e projects, McDonald’s, Markono Print Media, ServeAd; and supporting partners BusAds and Drummond.
Crocs not only sponsored more than 100 pairs of Crocs shoes, but also sponsored a media event at their Marina Square outlet. Participants and groups can register online via www.phfslipperrace.org Registration fees are SGD35 per person. Each registered participant will be given a race tag, premiums, as well as a limited edition Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2012 collectible in the shape of a 4- inch tall figurine.