Singapore, 1 July 2023 – About 30 participants cycled in solidarity with ex-offenders at the flag off event of the inaugural ‘Everesting for Second Chances’ today. Organised by HCSA Community Services (HCSA), the charitable organisation aims to raise $250,000 to empower ex-offenders to rebuild their lives. All proceeds will go to the HCSA Highpoint Halfway House which focuses on supporting ex-offenders in their reintegration and achieve longer term desistance with its programmes and services. The campaign is supported by the Singapore Cycling Federation, National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, and Yellow Ribbon Singapore.
Guest-of-Honour, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development participated alongside ex-offenders and cyclists in the morning session of the 24-hour indoor cycle-thon. Everesting is a term that refers to the activity in which people scale and descend a hill until they accumulate 8,848 metres – the height of Mount Everest – in elevation gain.
“We are so heartened by the support and commitment of both individuals and teams who have participated in Everesting so far. We would like to continue rallying the public to help in ways they can – either by conquering the equivalent height of Mount Everest by pedalling or fostering support for our ex-offender friends by donating for this cause. Every little bit helps and goes a long way towards rebuilding their lives,” said Mrs Kim Lang Khalil, Chief Executive Officer, HCSA Community Services.
“Yellow Ribbon Singapore is glad to support this initiative by HCSA Community Services. It provides a platform for the wider community to come together to help ex-offenders in their reintegration journey, through meaningful and creative ways. It also symbolises the importance of ex-offenders taking ownership of their reintegration through their participation in ‘Everesting for Second Chances’,” shared Mr. Sunny Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Yellow Ribbon Singapore.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful event. It was a daunting task to complete the cycle but not impossible with the support of so many friends who were cheering for me. It showed me that with the right support, a second chance is possible and there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Vincent Tony, an ex-offender who resides at HCSA Highpoint and participated in the challenge.
The ongoing challenge will end by 31 July 2023. To meet different fitness levels, participants have the option to either complete the full distance in a single ride, or in multiple rides. To get started, participants simply need to use the STRAVA app, a GPS-enabled physical exercise tracking application. For more information, please visit www.secondchances.sg
