It’s no secret that Singaporeans are experts at walking. A study done back in 2006 crowned us the “fastest walkers in the world”, while years of National Steps Challenges have inspired many to clock in those 10,000 steps on the daily. While it sure helps to keep our blood flowing, this calorie-burning pastime can now also benefit the less fortunate in our community.
From 22nd February – 31st March 2021, the annual Community Chest Heartstrings Walk returns for the 10th edition with a twist this year: you can walk anywhere to clock in your five kilometres. Yes, this includes walking 100 times around your estate or taking a scenic tour around Marina Bay where you can experience the event virtually with exclusive AR filters.
Here’s how to participate in this fun walkathon and reap some good karma points for the year.
Image credit: Community Chest
There are two ways to participate in the Community Chest Heartstrings Walk. You can complete your 5KM at your own pace, time and venue – but if you’re keen on getting the full experience, head on a scenic route along Marina Bay.
Each kilometre of this 5KM walk represents one of the five causes supported by the Community Chest:
By signing up for either category, you’ll walk away with e-vouchers as a token of appreciation.
Those who already have a preferred walking route around their neighbourhood can just sign up at Community Chest’s website and donate $28 to be eligible to walk anywhere. It doesn’t matter how long you take as long as you finish it, so you can finish it at your own leisure. Even your friends and family overseas can take part too!
Here are some beginner-friendly walks that you can go for. Or if you’re after a challenge, you can either conquer these undiscovered trails or experience a recruit’s POP day with these hiking trails used by SAF soldiers.
For the full Heartstrings Walk 2021 experience, you can take a picturesque walk along Marina Bay with a donation of $38. You’ll be given access to a game microsite where you can log in to take a guided route. You’ll pass through these five checkpoints along the 5KM route:
At the first, third, and last checkpoints, you’ll also get access to three AR filters that have been created especially for the walk. Snap selfies with these Instagram filters and stand a chance to be one of 10 winners! You can find out more details below.
Did you really finish a workout if you didn’t post it on Instagram? To share your progress and raise awareness on social media, all participants can use these three custom filters found on Community Chest’s Instagram page to check-in at the start line, midway point and the finish line.
Image adapted from: Josiah Neo & Ian Ling
Those walking the Heartstrings Walk – Marina Bay trail will get it sent to their smartphones via push notifications as they reach the Customs House, Helix Bridge, and Bayfront Plaza.
You can stand a chance to win attractive prizes when you use the filters and post a creative photo or story on your Instagram with the following:
Ten winners with the most creative posts will be selected. To qualify as a winner, you must have registered for Heartstrings Walk. Do remember to set your profile to public!
The Community Chest’s annual Heartstrings Walk is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. Not only can you burn off some of those calories you’ve gained from those CNY snacks, you can also help raise money for the less fortunate and differently-abled.
Mass events like races and walkathons might still be a ways off in the future, but the Community Chest Heartstrings Walk takes this opportunity to boost inclusivity during this time. Take part at your own convenience – whether you’re overseas or have a packed schedule. This way, you can raise awareness for the causes you stand for, while raking in steps galore for your daily fitness goals.
On 28th February, there’ll also be a livestream of a special launch event on the Community Chest Facebook that’ll be graced by Minister Masagos Zulkifli at 9.45AM. After, there’ll also be performances by Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Ngee Ann Dancesport club and the Otai Group made up of six hip-hopping seniors from COMNET Senior Service, a service under AMKFSC Community Services.
You’ll be helping the various causes supported by the Community Chest by taking part in the Heartstrings Walk. From adults with disabilities to persons with mental health conditions, Community Chest cares for over 80 social service agencies in Singapore that can always use a little more love from our community.
Dates: 22nd February – 31st March 2021
This post was brought to you by Community Chest.
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