Showing posts with label World Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Vision. Show all posts

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Every Mile Has a Purpose | My Global 6K for Water 2026 Update

A Little Global 6K for Water Update πŸ’™

The challenge has officially started, and I'm slowly getting into the rhythm.

So far:
πŸƒπŸ»‍♀️ 66.74 km covered
πŸ’§ S$50 raised towards my S$600 target

My Global 6K for Water Singapore 2026 fundraising profile showing distance and funds raised.

The distance is moving along nicely. The fundraising… let's just say we have some work to do. πŸ˜‚

Which brings me to a little idea I've been playing with…

I'm making some handmade bracelets as part of my Global 6K fundraising. The idea is simple: if you support my fundraiser, I'd love to make you a little bracelet as a thank-you. You can choose a word, or let me surprise you. 🀭

Handmade bracelet created as a thank-you gift for supporters of my Global 6K for Water fundraiser.

I'm also thinking of making a few to bring along when I visit my sponsored child next month, so I can give one as a little gift.

It's a small thing, but I thought it would be a fun way to make this fundraiser a little more personal.

If you'd like to support my Global 6K journey, I'd be truly grateful. And as a little thank-you, I'd love to make you one of these bracelets.

πŸ’™ Support my Global 6K fundraiser

For now, bracelets can only be sent to Singapore & Penang.

And if you don't need one, you can always choose to pass it on. 🀍

Every mile has a purpose.

Together, we're helping bring clean water closer to 12,000 children across Asia and Africa.

May xx

Monday, February 23, 2026

When Sponsored Children Move On: A Child Sponsorship Journey with World Vision

I am always excited when I see the email in my mailbox: “Your sponsored child, xxx, has a letter for you!” Through my journey with World Vision, these letters are something I treasure very much.

When I opened Irm's letter, I was looking forward to hearing his updates again. But this time, the letter was written by his grandfather.

At first, I was worried. Then I read on, and it was good news. Irm has moved to the city to live with his mother and siblings.

Irm was the boy who chose me last September in Dornod — the funny one who actually made me “fall in love” at first meeting. I still remember his smile and his cheeky jokes. It was a touching letter from Grandpa. I felt happy that he now has a chance in a bigger city, but also a little sad that our journey ended so quickly.

Four hours later, another email came through from World Vision.

It was about Helen, the girl I sponsored for three years in Cambodia. She has moved on to pursue further education outside her area programme. I met Helen last February — the quiet girl who came with her grandmother. Soft-spoken, shy, but with bright eyes.

Photo recreated to celebrate the spirit of children I sponsor, while keeping their privacy safe.

When I visited both of them last year, I could see they had bright futures. I truly wish that they will have better opportunities, better choices, and kinder roads ahead.

In sponsorship, once a child leaves the area programme, the journey naturally concludes. Another girl has now been assigned to me, and I look forward to building a new journey together.

Departures are not always sad. Sometimes departures are signs of positive change. It means they are moving forward, growing, stepping into something new.

Today, I hold both gratitude and goodbye in the same heart.

I am grateful that love can travel across distances and cultures. Over the years, through my journey with World Vision, I’ve met children with different stories, different smiles—each one a reminder of how much hope there is in the world.

The faces may change, the names may change, but the purpose stays the same. I will keep showing up, trusting that even small acts of care can help brighten someone’s tomorrow.

Every small act of support can make a world of difference. If this story resonates with you, consider joining me in sponsoring a child—you never know whose smile you might help change.

May xx

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Running with Purpose: Why I’m Taking On the Global 6K for Water

Image from World Vision Singapore

Every day, children in vulnerable communities wake up and begin a journey, not to school, not to play, but to collect water.

Nearly 6 kilometres.
That’s the average distance they walk just to fetch water that’s often dirty, contaminated, and dangerous.
And that’s the same distance I’m running — but for a very different reason.

This year, I’m participating in the World Vision Singapore Global 6K for Water, and I’ve set a personal goal:
πŸƒ‍♀️ Run/Walk 600KM
πŸ’™ Raise SGD 1,200.00

Why? Because I believe every child deserves the chance to be healthy, to learn, and to simply be a child.

But this daily walk for water robs them of that chance. It steals their health as they fall ill from waterborne diseases. It disrupts their education because they’re too tired or miss school altogether. And it takes away their childhood, time that should be spent laughing, playing, and dreaming.

πŸ’§ Clean Water Changes Everything

It’s so easy to take clean water for granted — the simple act of turning on a tap, filling a glass, or taking a shower. However, for many children and families around the world, access to clean water remains out of reach.

The good news? We can help change that.

Just $60 can provide one child with sustainable access to clean water through World Vision's life-changing water projects. These include the installation of boreholes, water tanks, and piped water systems, bringing clean water closer to homes and schools.

This year, World Vision Singapore aims to reach 10,000 children across Asia and Africa — and I want to do my part to help achieve this goal.🌍 Want to Learn More?

You can read more about the Global 6K for Water movement and how it’s changing lives by visiting:

There, you’ll find more inspiring stories, learn how the funds are used, and even register to take on the challenge yourself.

πŸ™Œ How You Can Help

I’m inviting you to join me on this journey. You can:

✅ Donate to my campaign — any amount makes a difference
✅ Take on the Global 6K yourself — run, walk, or hike anytime, anywhere between 5 Sep and 20 Nov 2025
✅ Spread the word — share this cause with your friends, family, or community

Together, we can make every step count.

✨ Running with Purpose

Running has always been personal for me — a space to challenge myself and clear my mind. But now, it’s about something bigger.

With every kilometre I run, I’m thinking of the children who walk those same distances daily, not by choice, but by necessity.

- I’m running for them.
- I’m running for clean water.
- And I’m running because every child deserves that chance.

πŸ”— Support my campaign here:

Thank you for reading — and for walking (or running!) alongside me on this mission.

May x

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Myanmar Earthquake: Urgent Help Needed

The recent earthquake in Myanmar has left many families struggling to rebuild their lives. Homes have been destroyed, communities devastated, and countless children and families are in urgent need of support. In times like these, swift action is crucial to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they need to survive and recover.

Relief Efforts on the Ground
World Vision Singapore is working together with local teams in Myanmar and has already mobilised resources to provide emergency aid. Their teams assess the damage and deliver essential supplies such as food, clean water, shelter, and hygiene kits. These basic necessities are critical to helping affected communities cope with the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Similarly, organisations like UNICEF Malaysia and World Vision Malaysia are stepping up to support relief efforts. Every contribution made goes directly towards providing life-saving aid, ensuring that children and families receive the care and protection they desperately need.

How You Can Help
In times of crisis, every donation counts. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of those struggling to rebuild. If you’d like to contribute, here are some trusted organisations currently providing emergency relief:

πŸ”Ή World Vision Singapore: Donate here
πŸ”Ή World Vision Malaysia: Donate here
πŸ”Ή UNICEF Malaysia: Donate here

If you would like to support other organisations, please ensure that you donate through their official websites or verified fundraising pages to avoid scams. Unfortunately, disasters often attract fraudulent appeals, so always double-check before making a contribution.

Your generosity can help provide food, clean water, medical care, and shelter to those in desperate need. Even a small donation can go a long way in bringing relief to the affected communities.

Let’s stand together in this time of crisis and extend a helping hand to the people of Myanmar.

May x

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Virtual Meeting: A Moment of Hope and Inspiration

I had the pleasure of meeting Su, my sponsored child from Myanmar, last Saturday, and I still can’t believe I’ve only been sponsoring her for three months. I didn’t expect to meet her so soon (even if it was virtually), but I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to see her and hear her voice.

As with any first meeting, Su was quite shy at the beginning. But as we spoke, she gradually warmed up, and by the end, we were chatting comfortably. I was thrilled to learn that she loves mathematics and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. It fills me with hope knowing that she has such big aspirations for her future.

Learning that Su’s mother is a World Vision community volunteer made the meeting even more special. She couldn’t join us because of her work in another community, but it brought me so much comfort to know that Su not only benefits from sponsorship but also has a strong role model in her mother, whose dedication to the community is truly inspiring.

As for me, I’m not great at structured conversations, so I just talked about whatever came to mind—hobbies, food, sports—anything to keep our 30 minutes fun and engaging. Maybe Adrian (from World Vision Singapore), who was also part of the session, wondered why I was jumping between topics! But it didn’t matter because making a connection was what truly counted. At one point, I found myself at a loss for words because I was so excited to meet Su (there was a brief moment of silence).

Thankfully, the internet was stable, and we had a smooth conversation with no interruptions. A big thank you to the translator (whom I, unfortunately, forgot to ask for her name—silly me!) and to the World Vision teams in Singapore and Myanmar for making this possible.

Meeting Su was such a heartwarming experience, and I’m excited to watch her grow. ❤️

Image created with Microsoft Designer: Wish I had a real photo, but this one captures the feeling!❤️

May x

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Child Sponsorship is not just about giving - it's about Friendship

I’m so happy to share that my story about child sponsorship was recently featured on the World Vision Singapore website.

When I first started my child sponsorship journey, I wanted to do more than just provide financial support. I wanted to create a real connection. As someone who enjoys handicrafts, I decided to send something handmade, something special, and something made with love. So, I made friendship bands—one for each of my sponsored children and sent them along with my first letter to symbolise the beginning of our friendship and the bond we share.


Months passed, and then came the annual update with their latest photos. As I looked through them, I was overwhelmed with emotion. One of my sponsored children was wearing the band. They all were.

It’s hard to describe how that felt. It was just a simple band, but it meant so much to them. They wore it. They kept it. They treasured it. And at that moment, I realised that even the smallest gestures can carry so much meaning.

Our letters are limited, often delayed by time and translation, but I still try to make our bond special. For their birthdays, I design and print personalised cards… not handwritten, but still made with love, just for them. It’s not about showing the world what I do. It’s about showing them that they matter. That they are thought of. That somewhere, far away, someone cares about them.



Sponsorship, to me, is not just about giving—it’s about friendship. It’s about forming a real friendship. It’s about reminding these children that they are important, loved, and never forgotten. It’s about making them feel that someone, somewhere, cares about them.

Because sometimes, even a small act of kindness can have a bigger impact than we realise. ❤️

Read more about the impact of child sponsorship on Child Sponsorship Stories.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Sambour: A Journey Close to My Heart — Part 3

Waking up early isn’t always my thing, but on this trip, it felt different. Maybe it was the excitement, or maybe it was knowing that today, we were finally heading into the villages. Either way, I was up and ready to go.

Our journey started with an hour-long van ride to the jetty, followed by a boat ride across the river. From there, we switched to a tractor—yes, a tractor! If you’ve never taken a tractor ride before, imagine a bumpy but fun experience, especially when you’re surrounded by endless greenery and fresh air (got to strike that off when we we are actually sucking the dirt while driving too fast). It was definitely a mode of transport I wouldn’t forget.

When the WV staff told us we'd be taking a big wooden boat, I’m sure it has a name in Khmer—but to me, it’s a sampan with an engine.

The tractor gave us a good workout, a nice tan, and a free dust bath for the day!
Sambour’s heat and dust are no joke!


Our first stop was a primary school. During the trip briefing, we were told that classes here are shared between two grades—Grade 1 with Grade 4, and Grade 2 with Grade 3. At first, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. How could one teacher manage two different levels at the same time? But as soon as we stepped into the classroom, I saw it with my own eyes. The students sat quietly while the teacher taught one grade, patiently waiting for their turn. It was impressive.

A simple school with only two classrooms. Each is shared by two grades.

One classroom, two grades, and a teacher guiding them all. Such respect for their dedication and passion. 

One of the trippers, Fynn, who is also a teacher, volunteered to teach at the school during our visit and prepared creative activities for the students. Seeing their excitement and how much they enjoyed learning, even with limited resources, was heartwarming. It reminded me why education is so important and why sponsorship goes beyond just providing school supplies.


After the school visit, we split into smaller groups to visit the Most Vulnerable Families (MVF). I was assigned to visit a family of ten—grandparents, parents, and seven children. The youngest was just nine days old, while the eldest, a 14-year-old boy, had left home to become a monk because they couldn’t afford his education. It was heartbreaking.

The living conditions of the MVF home, where a family of 10— including a 10-day-old newborn.


Despite their struggles, the family was doing their best. They had a small piece of land for farming and lived near the river, which provided access to water and fishing. Their home was a tiny hut, with everyone sleeping in the same space. But thanks to the support from World Vision, they were learning better farming techniques and had access to a latrine—a small but significant improvement in their daily lives. During our visit, we even joined them in planting vegetables, a simple but meaningful experience.

Hands in the soil.

The day ended with a visit to a secondary school and a community library. Some trippers had brought English books to donate, and we also participated in tree planting with the students as part of the Child Sponsorship Learning Program (CSLP). I’ve always loved gardening, but this was special—I planted a tree alongside two young girls, knowing it would grow with them.

English books were generously donated by fellow trippers.
I’ve always loved gardening, but this moment was truly special.
Tree planting with the students.

As we made our way back to the hotel, travelling the same boat-tractor route, I couldn’t stop thinking about the resilience of the community. For them, these daily journeys weren’t just part of a trip—they were a way of life. And I was only just beginning to understand it.

Stay tuned! Every moment here is unforgettable. I can't wait to tell you more! 

May x

Monday, March 10, 2025

Sambour: A Journey Close to My Heart — Part 2

The day of the trip finally arrived! I flew directly from Bangkok, arriving in Phnom Penh a day earlier. That extra day gave me time to enjoy some local meals, explore a little, and, of course, do some last-minute shopping for my sponsored children. No matter how much I plan, there's always something more I feel like getting! πŸ˜† Thankfully, SC was there to accompany me, so I didn't have to explore alone.

With all the extra shopping, I'm thankful to SC because some of it went into her luggage, some into my small suitcase, and we managed to shift things around. Problem solved!

In the morning, we met up with the rest of the trippers at the airport as they arrived from Singapore. Seeing familiar faces from past trips and meeting new ones was such a great feeling. There's something special about being surrounded by people who share the same passion for making a difference.

Cheers to the great company, meaningful moments, and the journey ahead!

After everyone settled in, got SIM cards, and exchanged money, we hit the road in a comfortable van, heading from Phnom Penh to Sambour. If there's one thing I've learned from trips like these, it's that getting to the AP isn't a quick journey. It took about six hours, with stopovers for toilet breaks, lunch, and, of course, the very last minute of buying gifts. The road conditions were so much better than last time—no more back-breaking, bumpy rides! That alone felt like a win. Although the drive was long, I didn't mind at all. It gave me time to reflect on my last visit and everything I was looking forward to. Would the girls recognise me? How much had they grown? 

After checking in at the hotel, we gathered for a trip briefing led by Piseth. I have so much respect for him—his dedication to the community is truly inspiring. His team has done an incredible job over the years, and hearing about their ongoing work made me even more excited for the days ahead. He walked us through what to expect, such as the living conditions, challenges, and, most importantly, the achievements made possible through sponsorship and community support.

Gaining insights into the journey ahead. His passion and dedication are contagious.

We wrapped up the day with dinner, resting up for what was to come. We will be heading deep into the villages tomorrow—and I couldn't wait.

This place wasn't just a name on a map anymore. It was a community I cared deeply about, a place that now felt like a second home.

Stay tuned because the real adventure is just about to begin. πŸ«°πŸ»

May x

Friday, September 20, 2024

I’ve Been Chosen, Again!

Exactly one year ago, I had the privilege of taking part in my first Chosen experience, and it’s been a journey I’ll never forget. Today, I’m incredibly honoured to be chosen by M, my fourth sponsored child through World Vision’s Chosen programme. This connection means so much to me, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside her on this journey.


Why did I choose to be Chosen?
Chosen is such a beautiful and empowering programme. It gives children the incredible power to make a choice—the choice of who will stand by them and support them. Instead of waiting to be chosen, they are in control of their futures, allowing them to decide who will walk with them. This small but powerful act gives them dignity and confidence in a world where they often feel powerless.

What makes this moment even more special is the story behind it. After visiting Mongolia and seeing life in Selenge firsthand, I became aware of the difficulties faced by children in different parts of the country. I heard about M’s Area Programme and the challenges she faces, and I felt an undeniable pull to act. When M selected me, it felt like fate—like it was meant to be.

To top it all off, M and I share the same initial and birthday month, which adds an even more meaningful layer to our connection. Sometimes, it’s the small details that remind us how everything is so perfectly aligned.

M, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be part of your journey. It’s an honour to walk alongside you and support you in whatever way I can. I’m looking forward to seeing how our paths develop together.

To all who are reading this, have you ever imagined what it would feel like to be chosen by a child? It’s an incredibly meaningful experience that can truly change lives. If you haven’t had that chance yet, maybe it’s time to see if a child chooses you.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Chosen programme or how you can get involved, I encourage you to check out World Vision’s website. It’s a wonderful way to create a lasting impact on a child’s life.

May x

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

I’ve Been Chosen!

My first Chosen experience has been something I’ll never forget. This year, I feel incredibly honoured to be part of T’s life through World Vision’s Chosen programme. T, a bright and lively 5-year-old from Bangladesh, has chosen me to walk alongside her on her journey, and I’m truly grateful for the connection we now share.


Looking back, I’ll admit I didn’t dare allow myself to be chosen before, and I was wrong to think that. It wasn’t until my trip with World Vision to Cambodia, hearing some of the trippers share about the excitement and significance of children having the power to choose, that I understood just how meaningful this experience is.

The Chosen programme isn’t just about us supporting a child—it’s about giving them the chance to take control of their own story. When a child chooses who they want to walk with, it empowers them in a way that’s so much more meaningful than I ever imagined.

T’s decision to invite me into her life has been such a humbling experience, and it continues to inspire me every day.

T, thank you for choosing me. It’s a privilege to be a part of your journey, and I’m excited to see where this path takes us.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be chosen by a child, I encourage you to look into the Chosen programme. It’s a journey you won’t forget and one that will change you in ways you can’t imagine.

May x

Monday, September 18, 2023

My Journey of Child Sponsorship and Hope

 It all began with a simple memory, one that had long been tucked away in the corners of my mind. Back in 2019, a running friend approached me with a request to support her in a fundraising campaign to raise funds for children to have access to clean water through World Vision Malaysia. Without much thought, I donated, never fully realising the impact it might have or where this small act of generosity would eventually lead me.

Fast forward to today, and that seemingly insignificant gesture has evolved into a profound journey of child sponsorship, one that has touched my heart in ways I could have never imagined. It's a journey that has reshaped my perspective on giving, community, and the immense power of human connection.

As I reflect on how it all began, I can't help but feel grateful for that initial nudge towards generosity. Little did I know that this single act of kindness would become a defining chapter in my life, leading me to connect with remarkable young children from another part of the world, each with their own stories, dreams, and aspirations.

My journey into child sponsorship didn't begin with a grand plan or a deep understanding of the impact I could make. Instead, it was a moment of reflection that prompted me to explore child sponsorship through World Vision.

I did some research on the organisation's mission and values, learning about its commitment to improving the lives of children, families, and communities. The idea of forming a lasting connection with a child, walking beside them on their journey, and contributing to their well-being became increasingly appealing. It was a chance to not only offer financial support but also to build a meaningful relationship, share experiences, and witness firsthand the transformative power of compassion and support.

With this newfound sense of purpose and the desire to make a difference, I took the step to sponsor several children. Two were from Cambodia through World Vision Malaysia, one from Nepal, and one from Cambodia through World Vision Singapore.

My decision to sponsor children from Cambodia and Nepal was not arbitrary. It was deeply influenced by my experiences visiting Siem Reap in Cambodia and Nepal. In both places, I witnessed firsthand the challenges these children faced, especially in terms of education and poverty.

In Siem Reap, Cambodia, I saw the determination of young minds eager to learn, but I also saw the lack of resources and opportunities that held them back. Education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and it became clear to me that this was an area where my support could make a significant impact.

Similarly, I witnessed the resilience of children and families living in impoverished conditions in Nepal. Poverty, often a barrier to education, limited their potential. It was at that moment that I knew I wanted to focus not just on providing financial assistance but also on empowering these children with access to quality education, a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

Photo by: May

As I reflect on this incredible journey that started with a simple act of kindness, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunities it has afforded me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children.

Everyone Deserves a Chance 😊

May x

Sunday, September 17, 2023

A Journey of Hope and Impact

Achieving my CPT certification is a significant milestone, a testament to the countless hours of study and unwavering dedication I poured into this endeavour. It signifies my commitment to helping others lead healthier lives. However, as I held that certification in my hands, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What’s next?”

While I’m brimming with brilliant ideas about the positive impact I want to make in the fitness world, I find myself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty. I’m currently living in a new country, far from the familiar surroundings and friends I once had. It’s just my partner and me on this adventure, holding onto the dreams and hoping for stability.

I’ve been diligently attending PT classes and immersing myself in my studies, absorbing as much knowledge as possible. But as any aspiring professional knows, the real world can vastly differ from textbooks and theories. It’s common to feel like a small fish in a big pond, especially when starting anew in an unfamiliar place.

Nevertheless, I firmly believe that dreams are worth pursuing, even when the path ahead appears unclear. I hold onto my vision of making a positive impact on people’s lives through fitness and personal training. With dedication, perseverance, and the right opportunities, I am confident I can turn these dreams into reality.

As I continue charting my course in this new chapter, I’m also exploring avenues to give back to the community. While I wait for the perfect opportunity to launch my fitness initiatives, I’ve embarked on a journey of charity work—a passion that had long remained dormant.

My demanding work schedule in the past had consumed much of my time, leaving little room for thoughts of giving back. While I had contributed to UNICEF Malaysia, I often wondered about the tangible impact of my contributions. Then, a memory resurfaced—there was a time when I donated to a charity organisation through a running friend several years ago.

I decided to trace back to the charity organisation I had contributed to, and it marked the beginning of my journey as a child sponsor. I took the step to sponsor several children, and it’s been an incredible honour. Through this journey, I’ve had the privilege to connect with these remarkable young children. We’ve exchanged heartfelt letters and shared experiences, and in doing so, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profoundly positive impact the contributions have on their lives.

In my next post, I’ll share more about this heartfelt journey into child sponsorship and the immense joy it brings me to make a meaningful difference.

Photo by: May

Thank you for being a part of my journey.

May x

Most recent post

Changing My 2026 Running Plans After Surgery

I had quite a few races planned for 2026. But sometimes, life has other plans. Why am I changing my plans? I recently had surgery to remove ...

Popular posts