Habitat-Barclays Bare Your Sole 2012

Here’s a walkathon you don’t need to lace up for: a charity event jointly organised by Habitat for Humanity and sponsor Barclays that will see philanthropic souls (and soles) ditching their cushioned, snug-as-a-bug sports trainers to tread Gardens by the Bay’s freshly opened grounds.

Their hopes high after last year’s 4,000-strong turnout, Habitat for Humanity are gunning for 5,000 do-gooders of all ages to leg it out, and their aim is to raise $100,000 for communities where people plod on searing hot ground riddled with sharp debris. Proceeds will be funnelled into their main project: building decent, basic homes for impoverished or disaster-stricken souls in countries worldwide, from Indonesia to Romania. ‘In these places, many people live in unacceptable conditions, and as Singaporeans live in possibly the only country blessed with no poverty housing, they’re encouraged to lend a hand,’ says Habitat for Humanity Singapore’s national director, Yong Teck Meng.

So, really, there’s no reason not to make the schlep when a bamboo house with a cement foundation costs as little as US$1,500 (S$1,875) – almost negligible compared to the average skyrise apartment here, yet unaffordable for those with barely a roof over their heads. So step out of your comfort zone nobly, but sensibly too – that is, without trying to make like Chariots of Fire. You might have a bleeding heart, but don’t spoil it by getting a bleeding foot as well. Depending on your stamina level, pick between the 2.5km or 5km routes – both are just as scenic, we promise.
 

Venue: Gardens by the Bay East, Tanjong Rhu

Cost: $25-$30 adults, $70-$90 family (two adults and two children), $15-$20 students and children. These are suggested donations. All proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity Singapore. For corporate and group rates (50 or more participants), contact group@bareyoursole.org.sg.

Time Out Singapore is the official lifestyle media of Habitat-Barclays Bare Your Sole 2012