Cycling While Delivering Rice: How Singaporeans Celebrate The New Year

Illustration (Photo source: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - It could be that the New Year's celebration is synonymous with parties and spree. However, it is different from 18 Singaporeans. Instead of partying, they plan to celebrate New Year by cycling around Singapore while distributing rice.

Launching The Straits Times, today, December 31, they will start cycling during the day and end at midnight. Uniquely, every 1 km of the total 120 km traveled, they will distribute 1 kg of rice to the elderly and those in need.

Interestingly, the initiative came from a fifth grade student, Ashley Rao. The 11-year-old boy was inspired by his parents, who love cycling and are active volunteers helping the elderly. On that basis Ashley then combines cycling and sharing activities.

"I hope we can distribute a lot of rice and give it to many people in need," said Ashley.

Interested in the idea of the elementary school boy, friends of Ashley's parents who are also active volunteers also joined. They have even provided two tons of rice to be distributed to approximately 800 households.

"I think it's a very good idea to take part in this initiative, it's very valuable," said another cyclist, Ngiam.

"I also want to make my time more productive. Some people say young people don't spend their time wisely staying at home and playing games. So it's a more effective way to spend my time doing something good for society," he concluded.