Habitat for Humanity Singapore's annual walkathon Bare Your Sole is back this year, providing participants with a unique way to raise funds in the fight against homelessness and poverty. The 2.5km and 5km barefoot charity walk will take place on Saturday, 12 July 2014, from 9am-12pm, at Gardens by the Bay.

Currently in its sixth year, the annual event encourages participants to walk barefoot to support those living in poverty and unable to afford basic amenities, such as shelter or clothing.

6 Years of Positive Change for the Local Community

Habitat for Humanity Singapore is commemorating the positive change which the local community has made over the past five years. Last year's event had approximately 5,000 participants walking barefoot for the cause, and raised more than S$300,000. Bare Your Sole 2014 aims to register more than 6,000 participants this year and to raise S$500,000.

Mr. Yong Teck Meng, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Singapore said,

"After five years of organizing Bare Your Sole, an event which has grown year upon year, it's important to acknowledge the good work done by individuals and corporations in Singapore to create positive change in our community. We're thankful for their generosity and we hope to unite people from all walks of life to join Bare Your Sole 2014, and show their support for those living in poverty."

Improving the Conditions of the Elderly, the Sick & the Physically Challenged

Funds raised will benefit Habitat for Humanity Singapore's local programme Project HomeWorks, an initiative designed to improve the living conditions of the elderly, the sick and the physically challenged living in one-room flats across the nation.

It was reported in Parliament in 2012 that as many as 35,000 elderly in Singapore live alone in unsafe and unsanitary conditions and this number is projected to rise to 83,000 by 2030. Despite having one of the highest average per capita income worldwide, some 114,000 individual residents earn less than S$805 per month, indicating a large income disparity between the rich and poor.

With the help of charitable organisations as well as the government, it is hoped that such charitable events like Bare Your Sole can help raise public awareness to help Singaporeans living in poverty.

Baring Your Sole for a Good Cause

Bare Your Sole 2014 promises to be a fun-filled family event, with food stations by popular eating destinations, such as Dean & Deluca and Cold Stone Creamery.

A variety of activities for children, including roving performances by stilt walkers, percussionists and balloon sculptors, will entertain the young and the young at heart. Participants can also stand to win attractive prizes at a raffle draw open to all.

As a complement to the charity walk, participants can help raise funds by competing in the 100km Challenge as a solo effort or as a collective relay with their friends, families, interest groups and colleagues. Attractive prizes can be won in the following categories: the most creative team, the fastest team, and the team with the highest funds raised.

But the main objective of Bare Your Sole is loud and clear: to lend a helping hand for the elderly, the sick and the physically challenged in Singapore.

Bare Your Sole takes place on 12 July 2014 at Gardens by the Bay. There is also a separate registration page for the complementary 100km Challenge.