Singapore, 9 March 2023 – To raise funds for low-wage migrant workers’ unmet healthcare needs, a group of 35 individuals from all walks of life gathered to clock 180km in their shoes, along Singapore’s Marina Bay.  

Participants included migrant workers, doctors, social workers, volunteers and staff members of HealthServe, an IPC registered charity in Singapore that has been at the forefront of promoting migrant health and wellbeing since 2006.  

The community jog kicked off the #InTheirShoes23 initiative, a virtual run-fundraiser organised by HealthServe for the second year. Running from 8 – 28 March 2023, #InTheirShoes23 encourages participants to walk, run, or cycle distances commonly covered by migrant workers in a day’s work to raise awareness and funds for low-wage their increase in demand for holistic healthcare services. These range from urgent medical and dental care to mental health services for distressed workers. 

The 3.2km route allowed participants – a mix of runners, joggers, walkers and cyclists – to take in sights of some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks including the ArtScience Museum, Esplanade, Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands and Merlion Park, which were built by migrant workers. 

“Being a part of this walk with such a supportive community makes me happy. Finding time and space for exercise is not always simple for us migrant workers, and it has gotten more difficult since I sustained an injury at work,” shared 47-year-old migrant worker Fu HuiFeng.  

“I really enjoyed walking around the beautiful Marina Bay with HealthServe’s sisters and brothers.” 

The community initiative provided much-needed respite for other injured migrant workers such as 36-year-old Alam Zahanger, who had to stop working following an unfortunate workplace accident. 

“Since my injury, I have been very stressed and down. I have not been going out. But today, I am very happy,” shared Zahanger, who completed the walk in a pair of new, donated walking shoes from HealthServe. 

“The only time I feel I can breathe and enjoy myself this period is during HealthServe’s events such as this. I took many photos and videos to share with my family,” he added with a smile. 

Dr Benjamin Kuan, HealthServe’s Deputy Executive Director and Head of Medical Services, shared, “We’re heartened to be able to gather supporters from all walks of life to pay tribute to a group of often unseen individuals who make up an integral part of Singapore’s society. Without the contributions of our migrant workers, we would not be able to enjoy this iconic landscape of Singapore,” 

“In the past year, HealthServe has supported over 30,000 migrant workers in the areas of health and social care provision, but there is still much to be done. With #InTheirShoes23, we hope that more can join us in going the extra mile for our nation builders – either by raising awareness, or funds for migrant workers’ unmet healthcare needs,” Dr Kuan added.  

HealthServe invites like-minded members of the public to embark on this meaningful cause and spread the word to their family and friends.

Here is how the public can support: 

Bonus: Participants of #InTheirShoes23 will receive a limited edition #InTheirShoes event t-shirt and an exclusive Thank You voucher gift pack.  

With 140% matching by Tote Board, NETS and a private family foundation, all funds raised will go the extra mile in enabling HealthServe’s provision of much-needed healthcare services for disadvantaged migrant workers.