Remember to Bin Your Litter, SCMS2016!

The Standard Chartered Marathon Singapore 2016, held from Dec 03-04 2016, saw runners from all over the world taking part in this annual event. It included categories such as the Full Marathon (42.195km), Half Marathon (21.1km), and 10km run.

During the event, the Public Hygiene Council (PHC) collaborated with the World Mission Society Church of God Singapore (SGWMSCOG) to remind the public to bin their litters as part of the “Keep Singapore Clean Movement”.

At 7:30 am, 90 volunteers from the SGWMSCOG headed towards the Padang- the place where the race ends and where the highest volume of trash was expected by the PHC.

The earliest race started at 4:30 am, and at about 8 am, some had already finished their run and were resting in the company of their family and friends. Many were seen consuming bananas and isotonic drinks as means to replenish energy.

Clad in their yellow vests, the volunteers approached the crowd with bright smiles and reminded them to bin their litter and to keep the place clean.

Whilst chatting about the marathon and congratulating the runners, volunteers also handed out a foldable fan, sponsored by PHC. Many were appreciative of the gesture and took action to bin their litter in the designated areas.

Wei Wei, 25, a runner who took part in the Half Marathon, commented, “I was wondering why there were a number of people wearing bright yellow vests walking around and chatting with people. I was later warmly approached by some volunteers and found out that they were giving us a gentle reminder to keep the place clean. I thought it was certainly a needed and good movement in such a big event like this. Keep up the wonderful work, World Mission Society Church of God! ”

“Really grateful for the effort that members of the SGMSCOG put in to maintain the clean and green environment of Singapore. Thank you,” said Zou Xiangyu, 22.

Towards the end of the event, the volunteers gathered near the exit of the venue to cheer the racers on. They assembled in a line and chorused “We love you! Keep Singapore Clean!”

Many were pleasantly surprised. Some waved, while others took pictures, and some reciprocated by gesticulating “We love you” to the volunteers. It was a fun-filled morning.

The SGWMSCOG volunteers expressed their enthusiasm to be part of events as such in future, in which they are able to exercise a positive influence on the public.