Raising Funds for Assisi Hospice
Lin Weiyuan is a Singaporean and a senior executive at ST Engineering China. He hopes to raise S$20,000 for hospice patients. The 10th marked the 15th day of Lin’s 5,000 km journey. When interviewed via text message on the 10th, he had just pedaled out of Mengla County, Yunnan Province, crossed into Laos, and completed 1,339 km of the ride.
Lin Weiyuan is participating in the “Little Sprout – Doing Good is Joyful” cycling event to raise funds for Singapore’s Assisi Hospice. For this long journey, Lin, who serves as the Production Control Director at TRXBUILD — ST Engineering’s manufacturing arm in China — took two months of long leave from his company. The company management fully supported Lin, not only granting him leave to cycle worry-free but also pledging to help raise at least S$20,000 in donations.
Speaking about what inspired him to cycle and raise funds for terminally ill patients, Lin said: “I have several friends who have been volunteers at the hospice for years. I often hear them talk about the hospital, so I also wanted to do my part for the elderly.”
He also said: “Caring for the elderly is caring for our future. As Mencius said: Care for your own elders as you would others’ elders. I think this is something that should be promoted.” He revealed that cycling has been his passion for many years because it not only promotes health and helps with weight loss, but also broadens one’s horizons through travel across countries.
This is actually not Lin Weiyuan’s first long-distance cycling fundraiser. He once cycled 10,000 km to raise funds for children in 2004.
Physical endurance is the biggest challenge
After setting off, the biggest challenge Lin has faced is physical endurance. “I thought the altitude would gradually decrease after reaching Kunming, but who knew I’d have to climb mountains every day — some 500 meters up, others 1,100 meters — pedaling until my legs gave out.”
During the ride, apart from having two cycling companions for part of the journey in Guizhou, Lin has been riding solo for the rest. He said: “I start cycling every morning, sometimes as early as 7 am, and must find a place to stay before dark. Now (it’s) summer, and it doesn’t get dark until 8 pm. Fortunately, in towns and villages, finding accommodation hasn’t been a problem.”
Every day on the road, he carries two water bottles, several chocolate energy bars, a fully charged phone, and mobile Wi-Fi. Other items are standard preparations.
What goes through Lin’s mind while cycling such long distances? He said: “When cycling alone, I don’t think too much. I mostly focus on the surroundings, enjoy the scenery, take photos, and concentrate on cycling. There are also stray dogs from time to time, so I need to stay alert. These past few days, I started using a speaker to listen to music, and pedaling has become smoother. I reckon by the time I reach Thailand, I’ll be able to sing my heart out!”
Donation pledges reach S$179,000 so far
Lin Weiyuan, who works in Guizhou, began preparing for the cycling fundraising event a year ago. Over this year, he undertook several long-distance rides within Guizhou, visiting China’s largest Huangguoshu Waterfall, the highest peak in Guizhou — Jiuzhaigou, the Weining Caohai National Nature Reserve, Mao Zedong’s “Recalling Qin’e” memorial site at Loushanguan Pass, and the famous 72 Hairpin Bends.
Thanks to Lin’s efforts, Assisi Hospice has received donation pledges totaling S$179,000 so far. Among these, Sembcorp Industries sponsored S$100,000, the largest single contribution. Assisi Hospice’s annual budget is S$8 million, and the funds raised by Lin will go towards providing care for patients.
Through the kindness of Lim Wee Yuan, the pledges received by Assisi Hospice to date have reached S$179,000. Among these, Sembcorp Industries sponsored S$100,000, which is also the highest amount. Assisi Hospice’s annual budget is S$8 million, and the funds raised by Lim Wee Yuan will also be used to provide care for patients.