Being able to walk with your shoes/slippers seems to be the norm in Singapore. But do you know that in the not so fortunate countries, wearing shoes is a luxury? It’s not every day where we’ll get to experience how they walk which is why Habitat for Humanity Singapore held the Bare Your Sole event yesterday to raise awareness on the issue.
Bare your Sole is an annual barefoot walkathon in its 7th year running. It was held at Palawan Beach, Sentosa and saw over 6000 people baring their soles for a good cause.
The event was graced by HFH Singapore’s Patron Mr. S. Dhanabalan, Goodwill Ambassador Anita Kapoor, Singapore’s only female race car driver Claire Jedrek and socialite Kim Lim. Ultramarathon runners, Mr Lim NgheeHuat and Mr Yong Yuen Cheng, were also present to complete the walkathon route as part of their SG50 tribute to run 50km each day for 50 days. Bare Your Sole 2015 marked their 45th day where they kick-started the event, leading the pack with participants walking barefoot behind them.
In addition to the walkathon, participants were treated to a wide range of activities such as a high elements course with flying fox and rock-climbing wall, a Habitat Village and a Kids’ Corner. Exciting martial arts and musical performances were also put up, and a wide array of scrumptious food and beverages was provided to suit the tastes of everyone.
The event raised whopping S$350,000 for charity. All proceeds from Bare Your Sole 2015 will go towards Project Home Works, Habitat for Humanity Singapore’s local home-cleaning programme. This project aims to improve the living conditions, safety and sanitation of the elderly and the vulnerable living in one- and two-room rental flats across Singapore.
With such initiatives made by Organizations like Habitat for Humanity, it helps to raise awareness on issues outside of Singapore and allow normal people like us to have the opportunity to help the less fortunate. Bare Your Sole Walkathon is definitely one walkathon to look out next year!