Meet Fateha. She's an 11-year-old living in a small 3-room apartment with her parents, grandparents, two younger sisters and an older cousin. Fateha joined TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA) in 2013 as a shy and reserved Primary 3 girl. But over time, she opened up after attending TYA's activities and, with the unconditional love and support from volunteers, gradually gained confidence to interact with other children.

Now, Fateha is a different girl. Caring and affable, she takes it upon herself to befriend and welcome every child that joins the TYA Club. Her elders are delighted with her blossoming growth, happily noting that she is more conscientious and diligent in her schoolwork. In fact, she hit a significant milestone last year by coming in top of her class. Her positive, can-do spirit is affectious. And shouldn't all children be bubbling with hope and optimism like her?

It is oft said that "Children are our future". As a community, we can do more to touch the lives of underprivileged kids like Fateha, who will likely go on to achieve many great things in life.

Nurturing Underprivileged Children and Supporting Families

TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA) is a service arm of TOUCH Community Services, a not-for-profit charitable organisation. Previously known as TOUCH Children's Club, TYA has been running club activities since 1986 for children from low-income families and single-parent families. Their vision is to nurture children and youth holistically to help realise their potential by providing educational, social and emotional support, promote familial values and strengthen homes.

Every Saturday, TYA volunteers run free tuition classes and values-driven activities for children, aged six to 12, at 21 clubs including Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bukit Merah, Clementi, Geylang Bahru, Hougang, Marine Parade, Mountbatten, Queenstown, Serangoon, Tampines, Woodlands and Yishun. TYA also organises family bonding activities and yearly events including festive gatherings, Family Camp, Games Day, Survival Camp and so on, to enhance harmony in families and boost the children's self-esteem.

How You Can Help!

Join Run & Raisin' on Saturday, 5 September 2015 and contribute to its aim to raise S$300,000 to benefit some 480 needy children and families of TOUCH Young Arrows. Funds raised will go towards maintaining the year-round activities and weekly children programmes. Organised by TYA since 2011, the annual charity run and carnival seeks to increase public awareness of TYA's work in the community, as well as encourage family bonding and a healthy lifestyle.

Taking place at the picturesque Silver Garden in Gardens by the Bay, the event will feature a 10km Competitive Run, 5km Fun Run and 2.4km Family Run. Flag-off will be at half hour intervals from 7:00 a.m. for each respective category.

A lively fundraising carnival will also be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entrance is free but participants have to purchase carnival coupons to use at the various stalls. Dig into a wide array of food, play fun games and check out the many merchandise stalls. Enjoy exciting live stage performances throughout the day, too. Suitable for all ages, this jovial carnival is great for a memorable family time.

Race fees for the 10km Competitive Run are S$50 for individuals and S$190 for a group of 4. Sign up solo for the 5km Fun Run at S$40, or as a group of 4 for S$150. A parent and child (12 years and below) duo can take part in the 2.4km Family Run for S$50, with S$30 for every additional adult and S$25 for every additional child. All prices stated are not inclusive of admin charges.

Race entitlements include a limited edition event T-shirt, race bib, finisher medals for 10 km runners and other sponsored items.

Visit the TYA Run and Raisin' website for more information and to register.