This article originally appeared on Vulcan Post.
As families and fellow Singaporeans try to find closure after the tragedy that took 10 Singaporeans’ lives, two online fundraising campaigns have begun. The campaigns commemorate the two heroic teachers who lost their lives shielding students from falling rocks and boulders as they descended from the mountain. Parents of students who survived have expressed their gratitude to the TKPS teachers, including Mohamed Faizal, who is now recovering from his injuries.
“They went two or three miles, helping them, shielding them, taking the hits, even with a broken skull and bones, they still brought them down 7 kilometres in blocked paths,” said Mr Sadri, a father of one of the students, to Channel NewsAsia. “To me and most of the parents I’ve talked to, we owe it to the teachers.”
Remembering Ghazi
Following the news of the death of TKPS teacher Mohammad Ghazi Bin Mohamed, his close friends have started a GiveAsia campaign to help raise funds to support his wife and three children, the youngest of which is just a year old.
Since its launch yesterday, it has raised over $21,000 from 200 people.
As written on the campaign page:
“Ghazi was a respected soccer and hockey player in his younger days, and proceeded to become a teacher who inspired students each and every day. He was known to spend time after school to play football with his students, encouraged many young hockey players who were just picking up the sport and above all, was known to impart important life values to the students under his care. He was a passionate teacher and those who had met Ghazi, had only the utmost respect for him.
We are immensely saddened by his passing, and want to do all we can to help his family in any possible way. 100% of the funds raised here will go directly to his family so we’d appreciate all the support you can give.
In a school publication addressing his students, Ghazi wrote, “Leave no one behind. Never turn the blind eye.”
We are in touch with a family friend and will keep you all posted once the money is transferred. If you have any questions or need further info, you can reach us at: helpingghazi@gmail.com.”
You can support this campaign here.
Ride For Rainbows
Terrence Loo’s last wish, according to his best friend Gloria Lee, was to cycle in Ride For Rainbows. The midnight cycling event raises funds for families whose children are suffering from major chronic and potentially life-threatening illnesses, but requires a S$600 base fund for participation.
“One of the last times we spoke was about the Ride for Rainbows fundraising event that he wanted badly to participate in, but participation was contingent on him raising enough donations. He was so excited and looking forward to it. In his memory, I hope we can help him raise more funds to fulfill his last wish,” wrote Lee in a Facebook post.
“He loved his family, he knew he had to work hard because his parents were getting old, and his dream was to set up a tuition centre so his father could retire for good. He thought the world of his mother and sister, and often boasted that his mother was the best cook in the world. During the annual Christmas party at his house, he would unfailingly heap more fried Mee Siam onto my plate because it was the ‘most delicious Mee Siam in the world’ cooked by his mom. He was also inordinately proud of (and perhaps a little obsessed with) his dog Bella and his turtles, sending us the most unglam photos of his pets.”
Since the Facebook post went live on June 7th, the campaign has raised over $3,000, five times more than the required $600. The campaign page is also filled with well-wishes and messages of love to the late primary school teacher.
One student wrote: “I am sorry there is only so much I can offer. I hope your cause will be realized and may your beautiful and compassionate soul rest in eternal peace, Mr. Terrence. I will keep your teachings and spirit close at heart.”
You can support this campaign here.