Date: 18 September 2021

(All figures stated in the press release are as of 17 September) 

Over 4000 Participants Register for the
Singtel – Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer 2021
to Create Awareness and Raise Funds for the Fight Against Cancer

• The 13^th Singtel–Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer to be held virtually from 18 September to 26 September
• Participants get to rally support from the community at large and raise funds for the cancer community
• Physical event to be held to celebrate and thank all sponsors and top fundraisers

Singapore, 18 September 2020: Over 4000 participants have registered for the Singtel–Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer (RAC) 2021. Due to the COVID-19 situation this year, RAC 2021 will be conducted virtually as part of efforts to adhere to safe distancing measures.

RAC 2021 will be virtually launched on 18 September at 1600hrs on the RAC official Facebook page. The launch event, hosted by influencer Victoria Cheng who has volunteered to do her part for this meaningful cause, was joined by various local influencers and celebrities like Bridget Fernandez, Gayathri Segaran, Laura Kee and Aaron Mossadeg from KIN (Channel 5 TV series), local celebrities Subramaniam Narainda, Munah Bagharib, blogger Edmund Tay and running enthusiast Eddy Chua. They joined the event from various locations in Singapore to kick off their run.

The virtual edition of RAC 2021 will be a 9-day event where participants can run anywhere in Singapore by using a GPS-enabled app to track their runs. Participants can cover distances of 5km, 10km, 21km or 42km. Participants may also stand a chance to win Novelty Prizes like the RAC Loyalty Participant, Best Dressed Participant, Best Dresses Participant, Most Creative Route and Top Fundraiser (Individual and Team) and 100 for 100 Challenge (Individual).

Participants can do more to raise funds for the cancer community. Each participant is tagged to a minimum fundraising amount depending on the distance they registered for. In addition to the virtual race, TOP 20 fundraising teams or TOP 100 fundraising individuals will be invited to participate in a physical run. The event will take place in accordance with the advisory from the Multi-Ministry Task Force and prevailing national safe management measures.

Events like RAC are crucial as we rally the public to come together and raise funds to support the cancer community. Funds raised will go towards SCS’s programmes and services such as the SCS Cancer Care Fund, SCS Cancer Rehabilitation Centre, SCS Cancer Treatment Fund, SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme (HCYP) and the SCS Welfare Aid.

Mr Albert Ching, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Cancer Society said, “RAC has been spearheading the fight against cancer for the past 13 years. Despite the challenges faced amidst the Covid-19 situation we remain committed to raising awareness and much needed funds and we are heartened by the overwhelming support from the community. This deeply encourages SCS to continue to strengthen efforts to minimise cancer and maximise lives through a holistic care system for the cancer community, journeying along with cancer patients through the different life stages. We are also thankful to our valued partner, Singtel, for supporting us throughout these years in the fight against cancer. To continue the spirit of RAC we hope to thank and celebrate all sponsors and top fundraisers (individual and team) at the physical event.” Ms Aileen Tan, Chairman of the Singtel Touching Lives Fund and Group Chief People and Sustainability Officer of Singtel said, “This is the second year that the Race Against Cancer is held under the cloud of COVID, but I am heartened to see that the Singapore spirit of resilience is very much alive through the enormous support, donations and sign-ups we have received so far. Our long time partnership with the Singapore Cancer Society is anchored on our common goal to raise awareness and much needed funds to support cancer patients and their families. Pandemic or not, all of us at Singtel continue to band together to champion this meaningful cause, even rallying additional support through our family and friends to raise funds for cancer patients in need.”

Since the inception of RAC, Singtel has contributed $2.75 million to the SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme (HCYP). The fund has supported SCS in setting up several initiatives that cater to the educational, financial and social needs of the young who are impacted by cancer in the family. 

Providing a Holistic Support to Cancer Patients and Families

Every year, SCS needs to raise at least $20 million to carry out their programmes and services. Last year, over 100,000 individuals benefitted from the Society. Under the HCYP a total of 42 students benefitted from the SCS Tuition Programme, 41 students received the SCS Achievement Awards and 59 students received the SCS School Allowance Schemes.

Funds raised from RAC goes toward supporting programmes and services that improves the lives of those impacted by cancer, like Mr Ng and his family.

Mr Ng, was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and had to undergo radiotherapy 35 times. Due to his condition he is unable to speak clearly and has his nutrition intake is by a feeding tube. He had to quit his job because of all these side effects caused by the treatment and his wife became the sole bread winner for the family.

Mr Ng was referred to SCS by his Doctor. The SCS Welfare Aid scheme helped Mr Ng with sustenance aid for his milk feed. This helps to mitigate their financial strain, which was caused by loss of income and high treatment costs.

Children and youth are impacted in many ways when their loved ones have cancer. Some may face difficulties coping with their studies while caring for their loved ones. One of the main concerns of Mr Ng and his wife was the impact of his condition on their children, and their performance in school.

Providing a holistic care and support to the family, the SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme provided Wen Xiang and his older brother tuition and allowances to aid their expenses. This support allowed both boys to focus on their academic pursuits and advance on higher learning opportunities after their GCE A Level.

The aim of the SCS Tuition programme is to provide a pillar of support for the academic pursuits and emotional well-being of children whose family members are afflicted with cancer. By helping the children to improve their confidence and self-esteem through doing well in school, the programme hopes to alleviate the concerns and worries of their family members.

While SCS does its utmost to ‘Serve more and Serve Better’, community involvement is crucial in supporting the cancer community. For the Virtual RAC 2021, SCS’ target is to raise a total of $1.2 million. Fundraising efforts from the virtual run goes on till 30 September 2021. For more details: https://raceagainstcancer.org.sg/ 

###

For more information, please contact:
Kumudha Panneerchelvam
Singapore Cancer Society
DID: 6436 5237
Mobile: 9819 6589
Email: kumudha_P@singaporecancersociety.org.sg

About Singtel–Singapore Cancer Society Race Against Cancer
Singtel is the title sponsor of Race Against Cancer, an annual fundraising event organised by Singapore Cancer Society. Proceeds from this event go towards supporting SCS’s cancer treatment subsidies, welfare assistance, cancer rehabilitation, hospice care, cancer screenings, research and public education initiatives.
A donation of $200,000 in 2009 kick-started the SCS Help the Children and Youth Programme, to help children and youths whose lives have been affected by cancer. Since 2014, Singtel has increased its contribution to $250,000 annually in support of the programme. The funds are used for home tuition services, school allowance grants, annual book prizes, youth camps and family engagement activities.

About Singapore Cancer Society (www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg)
Established in 1964, Singapore Cancer Society is a self-funded voluntary welfare organisation which provides patient care services to needy cancer patients through its welfare, hospice home care, cancer treatment subsidy and rehabilitation support programmes. In addition, the Society also provides free cancer screening services and promotes cancer awareness and prevention through its public education and community outreach programmes.