Told to “make an effort” and “get dressed up” when I mentioned to my colleagues I was off to interview philanthropist CHRISTINE AMOUR-LEVAR, my anxiety is raised a little more as her security guard sighs, “Ah, the beautiful Christine”, when I tell him which unit I am visiting. My nerves are quickly allayed when I meet her, though. Yes, she’s glamorous and beautiful; she’s also open, warm and funny, particularly when discussing her home, the condo where she and her family have been living for almost 11 years. She talks with infectious enthusiasm about her not-for-profi t organisation, Women on a Mission, and shows me around her luxuriously styled and eclectic apartment.
I catch Christine just a few days before she leaves for her sixth Women on a Mission expedition, this time to Iran for a desert crossing, a far cry from last year’s trip to Siberia where the group experienced sub-zero temperatures. “This time, we’re actually going to the hottest place on earth, the Lut Desert (or Dasht-e-Lut); though luckily not at the hottest time of the year when the temperature can reach 70 degrees Celsius!” The group of 12 women will head there at the start of “winter”, when daytime temperatures will be more like 40 degrees Celsius.
They will cover 200km on foot in aid of Women on a Mission, the not-for-profit organisation which Christine co-founded four years ago. Its aim is to raise funds for and awareness of women survivors of war, as well as to support women who have been subjected to violence and abuse. Usually, potential participants are invited to take part in the expeditions, which are self-funded by each team member, and all money raised goes to a specific charitable group. For this current expedition, the money will go to Women for Women International UK, an independent humanitarian organisation that provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and selfsufficiency.
In addition to expeditions like this, which can take from two to three weeks, Women on a Mission has also launched its “mini” expeditions. The first was a biking trip in Cambodia with 14 women in early 2016; the next will be a six-night trip to Bhutan, which will include stand-up paddle boarding, rafting and camping. Each trip is aimed at challenging the participants, and fitness training is integral to the run-up to each expedition. A lifelong fitness fan herself, Christine has managed to combine her passion for adventure and sports with her other passion for helping those in need.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2017-Ausgabe von EL Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 2017-Ausgabe von EL Singapore.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Knowing you have white, sparkling teeth beneath your lips is a sure-fire way to make you smile with confidence. If you've noticed your teeth looking more yellow than \"hello\" lately, perhaps it's time for a visit to a dental clinic for a teeth-whitening session.
Save your Spine at Work!
Sitting in an air-conditioned office has its benefits in steamy Singapore. But, long, sedentary days can play havoc on our necks and backs. Here, orthopaedic surgeon DR YILUN HUANG talks about spinal issues faced by office workers, and how to treat and prevent them.
Festive Fashion Show!
As the year draws to a close, now's a good time to stock up on festive fashion. White Ginger has released a fab new line just in time for party season. Plus, it's hosting a fun multilabel fashion soiree so you can view the looks with tasty bites and a glass of vino in hand!
Finding Eco-Luxury in Fiji
Here's a destination that's often a little bit off the travel radar for people in our region - but definitely shouldn't be!
48 Hours in Patong
CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.
Ticket to Thailand
Are you physically here but mentally on a beach in Thailand? We've found destinations for two types of holiday-goers: one for someone looking for a place to chill, and another where you can also let loose!
Laying Out Memories Through Food
YASMIN, JESSICA and PEARL are the local co-founders of The Plattering Co. They share their favourite parts of doing business with each other and a few of their hobbies outside work hours.
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Craving a curry? Whether you're dreaming of a creamy korma or a biryani, the EL team went all in, indulging in everything from buttery parathas to tangy papdi chaat. We explored the best of Singapore's Indian dining scene, and trust us-these spots will spice up your life!
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
SARAH and BO PINEL of Tekkie Help break it to us that cloud storage is not a data backup. Here's why that's the case and how we can rectify the problem.
A Musical Community
The new Pops Chorus and Orchestra at Marlborough College Malaysia (MCM) has students, parents, staff and even the Master involved. SIMON BURBURY tells us more - including where you can catch their performances.