HCSA Community Services Launches ‘Everesting for Second Chances’ 24-Hour Event and Family Carnival to Support Ex-Offenders’ Reintegration

In a spirited show of support for the reintegration of ex-offenders, HCSA Community Services (HCSA) kicked off the ‘Everesting for Second Chances’ 24-hour indoor cycling event, alongside its first-ever family carnival. The event saw around 30 participants take on the challenging physical feat of ‘Everesting,’ aiming to raise awareness and funds for ex-offenders.

Highlights of the Event

Guest-of-Honour, Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore, joined in the cycling effort, demonstrating his support for the cause. The event, organized by HCSA and supported by Yellow Ribbon Singapore, Singapore Cycling Federation, and the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, seeks to shed light on the social challenges ex-offenders face upon reintegration into society.

The ‘Everesting’ challenge tasks participants with cycling an elevation gain of 8,848 meters—the height of Mount Everest. Participants have until July 31 to complete this challenge, whether in a single ride or across multiple rides.

First-Ever Family Carnival

This year’s event also featured HCSA’s inaugural family carnival, held in partnership with Families for Life and in support of the National Family Festival 2024. The carnival transformed the football field into a vibrant hub of fun, with food stalls, engaging games, bouncy inflatables, and a flea market. Co-hosted by Jade Seah and featuring guest speaker SimonBoy, the carnival fostered a sense of community and support for ex-offenders and their families.

Many ex-offenders not only participated in the ‘Everesting’ challenge but also volunteered, raised funds at the flea market, and performed on stage, showcasing their commitment to giving back and supporting their peers.

Fundraising Goals and Achievements

The ‘Everesting for Second Chances’ challenge aims to raise $500,000. So far, the campaign has collected close to $150,000 through individual and team registrations, carnival activities, and donations. With one month remaining, there are still ample opportunities for the community to contribute and help achieve the fundraising goal.

Proceeds from the challenge will support HCSA Highpoint and HCSA Academy. Highpoint provides a safe and substance-free shelter for homeless male ex-offenders, offering them sustained social support to renew their purpose within the community. The Academy provides ex-offenders with new opportunities to support themselves and their families through vocational training and education.

How to Participate and Contribute

The ‘Everesting’ fundraising challenge continues until July 31, 2024. Participants can customize their experience according to their fitness levels, choosing to complete the distance in a single ride or through multiple rides. To participate, cyclists can use the STRAVA app, a GPS-enabled exercise tracking application. For those not taking part in the cycling challenge, donations to the fundraising campaign are warmly welcomed.

Join the community in celebrating second chances and supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders by participating in or donating to the ‘Everesting for Second Chances’ campaign.