Ms Lin Rongchan, a Lecturer from the Learning Sciences and Assessment (LSA) Academic Group, tells NIEWS about her special mission to raise funds for beneficiaries from the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore) in June 2021.

What is A Very Special Walk (AVSW)?

AVSW is an annual fundraising event organised by the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore). It has been achieved via various formats in the past such as a walk, concert or carnival. However, in keeping with safe management measures, AVSW 2021 was held virtually and the theme was “Challenge for Change”. The idea was for AVSW participants to raise funds by completing a challenge over a span of 21 days (1 to 21 June 2021). The challenge could be active or creative in nature, an act of kindness, or a customised activity.

Tell us more about your chosen challenge.

I decided to empower the autism community while picking up trash and cleaning up my neighbourhood. I had pledged to commit at least 21 minutes every day over 21 days. Armed with my mask, gloves, tongs, garbage bag and hand sanitiser, I managed to raise $2,030 in total, even though my initial target was just $500. Members of the public can view my trash-picking haul on my AVSW profile page.

Why did you take part in AVSW 2021?

As a believer in building an inclusive society, I try to support related initiatives. AVSW 2021 provided an interesting platform for me to show my support. In customising my challenge, I hoped to kill two birds with one stone: empower the autism community and increase environmental awareness. Given that I was able to win over 33 donors to my cause, I think it was not a bad start!

Other than participating in AVSW for the autism community, I also buy gifts from The Art Faculty occasionally to show my support for talented artists with special needs. I am heartened that they will receive royalties through the sale of their work.

What did it feel like having to walk around with a pair of tongs and a trash bag?

For the 21 days, I pretended to be a Jedi Master zapping litter with my “lightsaber”. May the force be with me!

Any interesting encounters while out on your daily rounds?

For sure! One day, a group of teenagers called out to me. They thought I was collecting containers for a living and offered me a bottle and a can (which I gladly accepted). About five minutes later, I bumped into a lady pushing a cart with a big styrofoam box. Noticing my bag of trash, she struck up a conversation. She shared that she couldn't find a job and would sell the cans she picks up to make a living. She added that 1kg of empty cans could fetch 50 cents. Upon hearing this, I handed her all the cans that I found. That brief encounter was a very powerful moment for me. I really respect her resilience in the face of challenges.

What has the experience taught you?

I have learned to be more thick-skinned after surviving a number of curious stares and insect bites! On a more serious note, the three-week challenge has helped me to better understand my neighbourhood. It has also prompted me to find out more about the psychology behind littering.

Any words of appreciation to your supporters?

Being a novice at fundraising, I wasn’t sure how much money I would eventually raise. The amount of $2,030 really exceeded my expectations, and I am so grateful for the support, which had come in various forms — donations, encouragement and suggestions. I was also extremely motivated to see what my fellow AVSW participants were doing for their respective challenges. This experience has truly been “A Very Special Walk” for me on many levels. I would like to thank my family, friends, strangers and anonymous donors who have supported me in one way or another. Thank you very much for being part of this journey!