Eclectic Dreams
EL Singapore|January 2017

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.

Amy Brook-patridge
Eclectic Dreams

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.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EL SINGAPOREView all
Perfect Pearly Whites!
Expat Living Singapore

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Save your Spine at Work!
Expat Living Singapore

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.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Curry, Spice & Everything Nice
Expat Living Singapore

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!

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Is It Really Backed Up in the Cloud?
Expat Living Singapore

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.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Finding Eco-Luxury In Fiji
Expat Living Singapore

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!

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Festive Fashion Show!
Expat Living Singapore

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!

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
48 Hours in Patong
Expat Living Singapore

48 Hours in Patong

CHERRY LAI checks into the sparkling new M Social Hotel Phuket for a weekender full of food, fun and relaxation.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Ticket to Thailand
Expat Living Singapore

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!

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Laying Out Memories Through Food
Expat Living Singapore

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
A Musical Community
Expat Living Singapore

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024