Nobody asked, but I picked up cycling recently…
It all began when I won a foldable bicycle at our company’s Christmas year-end party last year (yay!).
Since then, I’ve been hitting the pavement, finding it more accessible than going to the gym, and enjoying the freedom cycling provides.
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeshua Soh, an avid cyclist passionate about giving back.
Jeshua shared with me his ambitious plan to raise $100,000 for a good cause by cycling from Singapore to Bangkok, all on a $150 secondhand bicycle from Carousell.
I kid you not. The journey is about 2,000km…
Read on to learn more about this plan and how he intends to do so!
TL;DR: Cycle for Hope: A 2,000km Cycling Expedition From Singapore to Bangkok By Jeshua Soh
This article provides an overview of Jeshua’s journey and motivations for his attempt to raise $100,000 for the refugees along the Myawaddy – Mae Sot border. The funds will go towards supporting refugees in healthcare, education, and shelter.
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Disclaimer: We are committed to bringing our readers valuable and impactful content at Seedly. This article covers a fundraising project that we believe serves a greater good and aligns with our values of supporting worthy causes. In writing about this project, our primary goal is to raise awareness and encourage support for a meaningful initiative.
Jeshua Soh: A 29-Year-Old Who Travelled the Path Less Travelled
Jeshua Soh is a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, filmmaker, investor, traveller, and soon-to-be long-distance adventure cyclist.
Unlike the typical path many Singaporeans take in pursuing a university degree, Jeshua chose a different route and left junior college early. He subsequently founded four companies that allowed him to follow his passion for film and media, as well as explore the realms of venture capital and investing.
Jeshua’s connection to Myanmar began in 2018 when he founded Crossworks Myanmar to help employers hire and retain Myanmar’s talents. The recent conflict in Myawaddy, Myanmar, displaced as many as 100,000 people and sparked Jeshua’s decision to undertake this journey.
He believes that by raising awareness and funds, he can positively impact the lives of those affected. All proceeds will go directly to Mae Tao Clinic, which provides healthcare services, education, and protection to refugees along the Thai-Myanmar border.
Cycle for Hope: 2,000km Singapore-Bangkok Fundraiser
To provide some historical context, Myawaddy is a border town in southeastern Myanmar, next to Mae Sot in Thailand. Due to its location and ongoing regional conflicts, it has often been a flashpoint. The town serves as a gateway for trade and transportation between the two countries, and it is home to a significant number of refugees and stateless individuals who have fled conflict zones in Myanmar.
The region around Myawaddy has faced years of armed conflict and ethnic tensions, resulting in fresh waves of fighting and the displacement of many civilians. These displaced individuals often face precarious living conditions and lack access to essential services such as healthcare.
In light of these challenges, Jeshua’s journey is inspired by the plight of stateless and undocumented individuals along the Thai-Myanmar border. These people encounter significant difficulties accessing healthcare due to low income and a lack of identification.
While the $100,000 fundraising goal is substantial, Jeshua acknowledges that it may only provide temporary operational support given the clinic’s annual budget, which reaches millions of dollars. However, he sees the real value in raising awareness and inspiring others to support the cause in various ways.
Jeshua’s approach focuses on creating a lasting impact through his efforts, aiming to drive meaningful change and amplify the effects of his journey on the community he seeks to help.
Cycle for Hope: 2,000km Route
On 27 Apr at 5pm, Jeshua will begin his two-week cycling expedition from Singapore to Bangkok.
Jeshua’s cycling route will take him through Malaysia on Highway 5, the same path historically used during the Japanese invasion of Singapore. He plans to cycle in the early mornings and late evenings while working remotely in the afternoon, covering 130 to 140 kilometres each day.
Two volunteers and a staff member will support Jeshua for part of the journey, driving alongside him to provide spare parts, photography, and logistical help.
Throughout the expedition, Jeshua aims to inspire others to support the cause and raise awareness of the challenges people face along the Thai-Myanmar border.
What Happens When He Raises More Than $100,000?
If you think reaching the goal will stop him, it won’t.
He will continue cycling an additional 420km to Tak, near the Thai-Myanmar border town of Mae Sot, and donate his bicycle to the Mae Tao clinic.
What Bicycle Is He Using For This Journey?
One might assume you will need a top-notch bicycle to go on a cycling expedition, and there’s a reason why—a quick search online would reveal that an expedition-touring bike would cost at least 1,000 EUR (~S$1,460.83).
However, Jeshua’s choice of bicycle is modest but reliable.
He purchased a preloved Raleigh Misceo 2.0 Hybrid Bike at $150 from Carousell and overhauled the bike system.
What’s The Total Cost of The Trip?
Jeshua has kindly shared his cost breakdown with me, as he’s never been on a bicycle expedition.
The whole 12-day journey is estimated to be:
- Cycling + accommodation + food for two weeks: $1,500
- Support car from KL to Thailand (permits, fuel, parking): $500
- Support motorbike in Thailand (driver, rental, fuel): $300
- Payment gateway fees (assuming $100k raised): $1,000 – $3,000
- Donation benefits: $1,000 – $2,000 (depending on how many people want the gifts)
Total cost: $4,300 – $7,300
For the uninitiated, a 200km expedition at Okinawa, Japan, from 25 Apr to 1 May 2024, costs about S$5,500 – S$6,000, and a 14-day cycling trip around Vietnam is about S$3,910.66 (AUD4,390).
How Can You Help?
Jeshua has helped to raise $40,005/$100,000 from 163 donors as of 26 April, 6pm.
Thankfully, with technology, there are many payment methods, and you can help by donating any sum.
How to donate:
| Direct bank transfer to Mae Tao Clinic (read our reviews on Multi-currency Accounts) |
|
| USD (Credit card) | https://connect.clickandpledge.com/w/Form/1b93e15d-2585-47a9-9be7-65800f993273 |
| Thai Baht |
|
| AUD (Credit card) | https://www.apheda.org.au/donate-to-mae-tao-clinic/ |
| HKD (Credit card) | https://www.connectingmyanmar.org/donate.html |
| Payment via Jeshua in SGD or MMK (Myanmar Kyat) | |
| SGD (PayNow) | 8816 6105 |
| SGD (Bank transfer) | POSB Savings: 403-34578-4 |
| SGD (GrabPay/Credit Card)
Note: 1% fee to be absorbed by Jeshua |
https://jeshuasoh.substack.com/p/cycle-for-hope-2000km-singapore-bangkok |
| SGD (Stripe/Credit card)
Note: 2.9% fee to be absorbed by Jeshua |
https://buy.stripe.com/fZe4gH0YZg02aek5kk |
| MMK (CB Bank) | 0094-1001-0000-2992 |
| MMK (Kpay) | 09890993116 |
If you donate directly to the Mae Tao clinic, remember to send the screenshot(s) to [email protected] so that progress can be tracked and public updates can be provided.
For more details, visit the fundraising website: https://jeshuasoh.substack.com/p/cycle-for-hope-2000km-singapore-bangkok
Afterthoughts
As Jeshua continues his journey, his dedication and passion for making a difference are commendable. His story reminds us that even small acts can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to take action and contribute to a better world.
While personal finance and money are essential aspects of life, it’s even more critical to help one another in times of need. If you wish to support Jeshua’s cause, you can follow his journey and donate to his fundraising campaign.
Together, we can make a difference and bring hope to those in need.
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