More than 3,600 participants gathered at Sentosa to help raise over S$950,000 for youth programs that build resilience and unlock potential.
Under blue skies on Aug. 23, 2026, more than 1,485 runners and walkers gathered at Palawan Green on Sentosa, Singapore, for Walk for Our Children 2026, featuring RBC Race for the Kids. Participants came together for a shared purpose: supporting Singapore Children’s Society’s work with children, youth and families across the island.
This year’s event centred on the theme “Creating Spaces for Every Voice to Be Heard,” which highlighted the belief that children and youth deserve platforms where they can speak up and play an active role in the decisions that shape their lives. Guest of Honour Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry), opened the event and flagged off the 2km walkathon.
Some of the Children’s Society’s youth members played a key role in developing and running interactive booths on children’s rights and participation, engaging families, caregivers and the wider community through hands-on activities and games.
Participants aimed to send young people an important message: their voices matter, and they are valued members of society. Each individual brings unique thoughts, feelings and perspectives – and when given opportunities to express themselves and contribute meaningfully, they can develop a stronger sense of agency and confidence.
Founded in 1952, Singapore Children’s Society has spent more than seven decades supporting young people and families in need, and nurturing children and youth from all backgrounds. With more than 10 service centres islandwide, the organization runs programs spanning youth outreach, mental wellbeing support, family services and child protection – all aimed at helping young people build resilience and reach their full potential. In 2025, the Society reached 22,333 children, youth and families across its services.
RBC and Singapore Children’s Society have been partners for seven years. The 2026 event marked the third year RBC Race for the Kids was held at Palawan Green, and the first time a 5km distance was offered at the venue, opening the door to both competitive runners and those taking a more relaxed approach to the event.
More than 440 runners took on the 5km course, while 1,045 walkers joined the 2km fun walk along the beachfront. Younger participants had their moment to shine in the inaugural 100m Kids Dash, and a Stamp Rally, carnival booths and live performances rounded out the day’s activities.
The fundraising efforts extended well beyond race day. In the weeks leading up to the event, “Fundraising Champions” across RBC’s Singapore office organized a calendar of creative fundraisers, including a Ping-Pong tournament, food fiesta, bake sale and, for the first time, a pickleball tournament. Together with ticket purchases and direct donations, Team RBC raised more than S$75,000 for Singapore Children’s Society, and the entire event raised more than S$950,000.
The funds raised will help enable Children’s Society to create safe spaces where children and youth can build positive relationships, develop resilience and find meaningful opportunities to share their views and shape their futures.
One of these spaces is JYC @ Children’s Society, an integrated children and youth development centre that provides support and guidance across key developmental milestones. The centre serves youth aged nine to 18 through dedicated drop-in facilities and programs.
“It’s my 10th year at JYC and I’m graduating soon,” says Joycelyn Lau, a youth member who first joined in primary school and is now a post-secondary student at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) in Singapore.
“I first joined JYC because the centre looked fun and welcoming,” says Lau. “I stayed on in secondary school because my friends were there, but also because I had become emotionally connected with the centre and the staff. During secondary school, I was at a sensitive stage, and they were always there to hear me out.
“JYC feels like a home to me. Even when I moved on to the ITE and visited [the centre] less often, I stayed in contact with the staff and would stop by for a chat. I can’t imagine my life without JYC. If I wasn’t here [at JYC], I think I would still be that arrogant kid. I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
“RBC Race for the Kids is one of the most meaningful ways we bring to life our purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper,” said Kamran Azim, incoming chief executive officer of RBC Singapore and incoming head of RBC Wealth Management in Asia. “Every step taken together helps unlock the resources young people need to succeed.”
What began as a single race in New York in 2009 has since grown into a series of 17 family-friendly race events held in communities around the world. To date, the program has engaged more than 525,000 participants globally and raised upwards of S$108 million for youth-focused charities, including organizations that support mental health services for young people.
For Singapore Children’s Society, RBC’s and the wider community’s support helps sustain critical resources: from counselling and mentorship to educational support and crisis intervention. Every step taken at Palawan Green, and every dollar raised in the weeks before, helps sustain the Society’s work. The day stands as a reminder of what is possible when people unite around a common purpose and the work of setting youth up for a thriving future continues long after the event ends.