The Gen XY Lifestyle

For Charity: Cyclists’ Journey of Epic Proportions

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From 3rd to 6th of March, a group of cyclists from a local cycling group, Epic Cyclist, will be channelling their favourite pastime activity into a benevolent cause: cycling over 1,000 kilometres to raise money for the Kidney Dialysis Foundation (KDF).

For the fourth year running, the cyclists will journey across Malaysia and Singapore as they look to raise $300,000 for the charity. The annual KDF Millennium Ride is recognised to be one of the most mentally and physically challenging rides in the region, and participants are expected to endure at least nine hours of non-stop cycling each day (approximately 250 kilometres) through various terrains and unpredictable weather conditions.

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This year, the riders face a new challenge in covering 470 kilometres in two days while accumulating a total incline gain that is higher than Mount Everest. According to Clifford Lee, founder of Epic Cyclist, it is a feat that even professionals will find difficult. “However, the obstacles our cyclists will encounter cannot be compared to the adversity dialysis patients go through daily. It is heartening to witness our cyclists putting in the effort to help raise funds for a good cause,” he adds. The participants, which number 78 so far, come from all walks of life and the oldest cyclist, is 64 years old and has not missed the event since its inception.

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All proceeds from the donations will go to needy kidney patients under the care of KDF. With the Community Silver Trust matching 40 percent of the funds raised, the group raised about $590,000 last year. Epic Cyclist is hopeful to raise at least $300,000 this time round.

If you are interested in making a contribution, you may do so via this link. Both individual and corporate donors get a 2.5x tax reduction if the donations are received by 31 Dec 2017.

If you are interested in doing your bit and participate in the ride, you can get more information here. Interested participants will have to be assessed to ensure that they are physically fit for the grueling journey.

 


 

The KDF is a non-profit charitable organisation, established in February 1996 by Dr Gordon Ku, a kidney specialist. KDF provides subsidised dialysis treatment to needy members of the community so that these patients will not be deprived of treatment due to financial difficulties. KDF focuses on a niche group of patients, who are from the lowest 10 percent of the income group and referred by medical social workers from the restructured hospitals. It also supports research for a cure for kidney diseases. KDF is committed to providing high-quality, low-cost treatment to patients who are unable to afford treatment. With the support of donors and sponsors, KDF currently runs three haemodialysis centres to care for its patients. To date, KDF has served over 800 patients of which 78 have undergone successful kidney transplantations. It is currently serving about 300 patients. For more info on the KDF, visit www.kdf.org.sg.

 

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