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Grit for good: High-octane CDL Challenge competition raises S$200,000 for Assisi Hospice at annual charity carnival

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Led by CDL's Group CEO Mr Sherman Kwek, two teams of CDL employees demonstrated grit and teamwork in the CDL Challenge – GRIT for Good, raising S$200,000 for Assisi Hospice. Cheering them on were Guest-of-Honour Mrs Josephine Teo (front row, 3rd from right), and Ms Ho Ching, Assisi Hospice's Patron (front row, 2nd from right).

Singapore, 14 June 2026 – Thousands of supporters gathered for this year’s Assisi Fun Day at SJI International in a strong show of community spirit, helping to raise funds for Assisi Hospice’s largest annual fundraising event. Co-organised with City Developments Limited (CDL), the mega charity carnival bringing together corporate partners, volunteers, former patients' families and community groups in support of quality palliative care for patients and their loved ones. 

The event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mrs Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information, and Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity & Smart Nation Group, together with Assisi Hospice Patron Ms Ho Ching. Through the combined efforts of sponsors, volunteers and donors, Assisi Hospice hopes to raise S$1 million from this year's carnival to sustain and expand its patient care services. 

A highlight of the carnival was the CDL Challenge – GRIT for Good, a special charity segment led by CDL Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Sherman Kwek. In a test of endurance and teamwork, two CDL employee teams competed in a series of physical challenges comprising Battle Rope, Shuttle Run and Wall Ball stations. The segment raised S$200,000 for Assisi Hospice. 

Mr Sherman Kwek, CDL’s Group CEO, said, "Assisi Fun Day has been a much-loved tradition for our CDL family, bringing people and their families together in a shared spirit of compassion and service. Beyond fundraising, it is also a meaningful opportunity to build deeper connections with the community we serve and stand alongside those in need. We are truly grateful for the enthusiasm and generosity shown by our business associates, partners and employees every year, and we hope these efforts will inspire even greater support for Assisi Hospice's vital mission."

Since its introduction in 2017, the CDL Challenge has become a memorable highlight of Assisi Fun Day. Last year, the CDL challenge raised S$150,000 for Assisi Hospice through a thrilling four-legged shuttle relay, with 59 foam balls moved in 3 minutes by sandwiching the balls between their heads, shoulders and torsos.  

This year, more than 200 employees from across the CDL Group contributed their time and energy to support the event, setting up 10 stalls – four by CDL, four by Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), one by sister company Hong Leong Finance and one by Hong Leong Club, selling an array of F&B items, while CDL subsidiary CBM provided facilities support, including logistics, cleaning and security services. MHR hotels that participated include Copthorne King’s Hotel, Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, M Hotel, Orchard Hotel, M Social Hotel and Studio M Hotel, sponsoring F&B vouchers and hotel stays for the lucky draw segment. 

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CDL employees giving their all in the final station of the CDL Challenge, Wall Ball, which involved throwing a 4kg ball against a target.
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More than 200 employees from the CDL Group volunteered at Assisi Fun Day 2026, supporting various carnival activities and fundraising efforts. [Joining them for a group photo at the CDL Group of Companies Pavilion was Guest-of-Honour Mrs Josephine Teo (third row, 10th from left).]

Presentation of appreciation tokens at the official opening of Assisi Fun Day 2026

Guest-of-Honour Mrs Josephine Teo (5th from left) presented tokens of appreciation to supporters of Assisi Fun Day 2026 in recognition of their contributions to the annual fundraising carnival. From left:  Mr Thomas Teo, Chairman of Assisi Hospice; Mr Benedict Ng, Vice President, South East Asia Operations, Millennium Hotels and Resorts; Mr Roy Chiang, CEO & President, CBM Pte Ltd; Dr Michael Johnston, CEO, St Joseph’s Institution International; Minister Josephine Teo; Ms Tjioe Ka In, Executive Director, Tung Lok Millennium Pte Ltd; Mr Sherman Kwek, Group CEO of CDL; Ms Ho Ching, Patron Assisi Hospice; and Ms Choo Shiu Ling, CEO of Assisi Hospice.

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Station 1 of the CDL Challenge segment: Battle Rope

CDL employees, led by Group CEO Mr Kwek (2nd from left), showed grit and mettle as they competed in a series of physical challenges.

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A jubilant Team CDL after completing the CDL Challenge

In total, both teams clocked 953 rope swings, 64 laps, and 205 ball throws in seven minutes. Team CDL is joined by Dr Michael Johnston, CEO, St Joseph’s Institution International and Sister Linda Sim, in a celebratory shot.

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Spirited volunteers from Hong Leong Finance

Volunteers from Hong Leong Finance with Ms Ho Ching (front row, 4th from left), at the CDL Group of Companies Pavilion.

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Ms Choo Shiu Ling, Assisi Hospice’s CEO, said, "As general palliative care capabilities expand across hospitals and community settings, Assisi Hospice's role within the ecosystem has correspondingly evolved. We have not only increased the number of patients we care for, but we are also caring for patients with more complex clinical and psychosocial needs. The continued support of the community through donations, volunteering and sharing of talents is vital in helping us provide patients with the care, comfort and dignity they need. Assisi Fun Day, made possible by the generosity of our corporate sponsors, volunteers, community groups and individual supporters, is a powerful reflection of the community spirit that sustains and strengthens our work each year." 

Drawing an estimated crowd of 10,000 visitors, this year's carnival featured more than 100 stalls offering food, games and merchandise, alongside family-friendly attractions and entertainment.  

Funds raised through Assisi Fun Day will help Assisi Hospice continue providing holistic care to patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. In 2025, the hospice cared for approximately 3,500 patients across its Inpatient, Home Care and Day Care services. It is also expanding its Home Care programme, which is provided free-of-charge, and strengthening support for grieving families through its Grief and Bereavement Care services and programmes such as Healing in Nature. 

Visit the Assisi Hospice website to find out how you can help.