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SINGAPORE – Despite describing herself as “somewhat shy,” a 13-year-old girl stepped out of her comfort zone to interact with her school and write emails to strangers, eventually raising more than $ 164,000 for a victim of a electric scooter accident. .
St Joseph’s Institution (International) seventh grader Sophia Chiam started the crowdfunding campaign with the help of her mother in August after reading about Madam Ang Liu Kiow’s plight.
In less than two months, the 57-year-old accident victim fund received donations from 1,459 taxpayers.
Sophia told The Straits Times that she was surprised that the crowdfunding campaign was gaining so much traction.
“(Fundraising) requires humility and sometimes a tough, brash (and) forward-thinking approach, but when I reminded myself of the cause, I was able to do it despite being somewhat shy,” she said. “It helped when strangers reached out and shared their thoughts and words of encouragement.”
ST reported on July 26 that Madam Ang suffered brain damage after being hit by an e-scooter in 2016 and needs help with activities of daily living. She also suffers from communication problems.
In July this year, the court ordered electric scooter driver Nicholas Ting Nai Jie, 21, to pay $ 445,000 to Madam Ang after her husband sued him on her behalf. However, Mr. Ting said through his attorney that he would not be able to pay the sum as he has no assets and is not covered by insurance.
Several concerned readers, including Sophia and her mother, Dr. Lisa Chen, wrote to ST offering to help Mr. Leong Loon Wah, Madam Ang’s husband and caretaker.
Sophia’s family raised funds through SJI (International), her elementary school, word of mouth, and social media. They also publicized the campaign in the Minmed Group clinics, as well as in various restaurants – Saveur, FrapasBar, MediumRare and Bread & Butterfly – owned by Dr. Chen and her husband, Dr. Eric Chiam.
In the 2016 accident, Madam Ang was struck by an electric scooter on a footpath in Pasir Ris. He hit his head on the ground when he fell and underwent emergency surgery for a brain hemorrhage.
Now she cannot speak, read, or write and needs help eating, dressing, and using the bathroom. Doctors do not expect you to recover any more from your disabilities.
Her husband, also 57, is a contract worker making $ 2,000 to $ 3,000 a month, and the family has had to hire a helper.
Earlier this month, Sophia visited Madam Ang and her family after crowdfunding closed on September 30.
Speaking to ST through his pro bono attorney, Mr. Benedict Teo of Drew & Napier, Mr. Leong said that the money raised will help cover Madam Ang’s recurring expenses for her medications, physical therapy sessions and salary. of the assistant.
“I never expected such a large donation sum from the public. (I am) very surprised that such a young girl managed to do so much (and also) by the number of Singaporeans who came out to help,” Leong said.
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