TCRP x UN Women in the Kennel.

February 18, 2012

It was a gathering of like-minded folk, mostly women, but also men undeterred by an event organized by <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/UNWomenSingapore”>UN Women</a> (formally UNIFEM Singapore). I reckon the neutral location at <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/inthekennel?sk=info”>Kennel</a>, a collaborative workspace for creative entrepreneurs at Dempsey, also helped draw in the crowds that Wednesday evening, because quite a crowd turned up.

Always creative, the girls of <a href=”http://tcrp.com”>The Chain Reaction Project (TCRP)</a> – Tingjun, Alex and Jas – didn’t kick off the evening by sharing about their work. They shared about the work of others. Example after example, Tingjun showed a myriad of ordinary people who have harnessed their passions for good – from a girl who loves fashion to a couple of guys who love playing the cello. Who is to say we can’t be insanely creative when raising funds and awareness for causes close to our hearts?

And talking about causes, TCRP’s Upcoming Project for 2012 will take the girls and their team of catalysts for change to Davao, Philippines. And this is where the collaboration between TCRP and UN Women really lock into a fit – human trafficking.

In my capacity as a volunteer and journalist, I’ve worked with Women Make a Difference, UNIFEM Singapore and AWARE in the past to address this problem. Human trafficking is a colossal problem in this region, and one that UNIFEM has been addressing for years. The Philippines is not spared. Thousands of girls are sold into the sex trade each year. While rescue missions are working furiously to battle this, beyond providing temporary shelter for the victims, little can be done to rehabilitate and empower the girls with alternative skills if there is insufficient funding.

It is TCRP’s aim to raise $100,000 in support of the Centre of Hope, a project of <a href=”https://thechainreactionproject.com/portfoliocpt/visayan-forum-foundation-inc/”>Visayan Forum Foundation Inc.</a>

How? Through the best way these girls know how – adventure! They are set to do a three-day hike to the summit of the tallest mountain in the Philippines, Mt Apo, and they are inviting all like-minded adventurers to join them.

And if that is a stroll in the park for you? Well, these adrenaline junkettes are extending their invitation to you to join them for the <a href=”http://www.boulderface.com/”>24hr Mt Apo Boulder Face Challenge</a>, which is guaranteed to stretch your physical and will power to the limit. I have to admit I glazed over when I saw the PowerPoint images of trail running, mountain biking, white water rafting etc. To each his own, I say!

Kennel was abuzz with positive and synergistic vibes that evening, as a lively dialogue ensued after the TCRP sharing. I left that evening feeling inspired and empowered because the message and philosophy of TCRP is very simple:

Have a passion? Use it for good. Anyone can do it! Be a catalyst for change.

- Pamela Ho, Catalyst for Change (TCRP 2010).

TCRP’s mission is to find a Cause, and have an Effect. We want to inspire and empower people to pay forward the positive social changes they wish to see in the world, and become Catalysts for Change.