20
January
2021
|
14:08
Asia/Singapore

NUS Business hits record high in virtual charity run with over half a million raised

NUS Business’ flagship charity run has raised a record amount of over S$525,000 as of 16 January for needy students and families. In its 11th year, the NUS Business School Alumni Association Charity Run (BCR) attracted over 500 participants in its first ever virtual event.

BCR 2021 is presented by the NUS Business School Alumni Association (NUSBSA) and supported by BIZAlum, the School’s alumni office and the student-led NUS Bizad Club.

The amount raised, which will go towards student bursaries and the TOUCH Emergency Relief Fund by TOUCH Community Services, had smashed last year’s S$475,000 record. It looks to go even higher, as the donation period will only close on 31 January.

“It has been truly heart-warming to see the generous support from our donors, sponsors, participants and student leaders during these unprecedented times,” said Jeannette Chan, Chairperson of BCR2021. 

Andrew Lee, Year 4 NUS Business student, said, “The BSA Charity Run is a wonderful annual initiative to help raise funds for the needy in our community. As a recipient of the NUSBSA bursary, I am grateful for the kindness that has been extended to me and am glad to participate in this year's edition as a runner.”

Due to the pandemic, the run was conducted virtually over two weeks, from 1 to 14 January. In a video, NUS Business School’s Dean and Distinguished Professor Andrew Rose, said, “I know our organisers and students really do miss being able to visit the TOUCH beneficiaries, while the die-hard runners are going to miss the challenging NUS route. Now, more than ever, we need to come together.”

The virtual run has also attracted the support and participation of overseas alumni. For example, the NUS Business School Mandarin Alumni Association has set up a few cash prizes totalling S$600 which will be donated on behalf of the winners.

Second-time BCR participant Ada Chua said, “It’s been a great way to start 2021 – keeping fit with friends while running for a good cause. I am glad that the BSA Charity Run has adapted its annual event. This is a great model and acts as encouragement for us to continue to find ways to do good and do better, regardless of our circumstances.”

The event also saw Mr Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration, kicking off the run virtually on 1 January and NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye giving a video speech in the closing ceremony on 16 January.

In his Instagram post, Professor Tan said that, “Our NUS family truly has a heart for the communities we serve. It is heartening to hear that more than S$525,000 has been raised to support low-income families affected by the pandemic.”

Over the past 10 years, BCR has attracted 11,500 participants and raised over S$1.77 million in support of needy students and 13 social services agencies. Those who wish to donate to BCR2021 can visit www.bcr2021.com.

By NUS Business