Jinji Lake Walkathon: Steps to Spread Smiles
On the morning of 2nd November, Jinji Lake sparkled under the morning sun as the DHSZ Boarding & Guests Jinji Lake Walkathon Fundraiser event officially began!
More than one hundred students, parents, and staff (including some adorable puppies) gathered by the lake to join hands in support of the charity event. In the warm sunlight and with stunning lakeside scenery, everyone embarked on a heartfelt journey that went beyond mere footsteps.
All funds raised from the event will be donated to the China Siyuan Foundation's Siyuan Operation Smile Programme, in providing surgeries for children with cleft lips and palates, helping them rebuild smiles and have confidence in their lives.
Before the walk began, Principal Jon Fei, gave an inspiring opening speech, encouraging everyone to use each step to spread love. His words sparked enthusiasm among the crowd, and our healthcare partner, Jia Hui Health, provided a professional warm-up session to help everyone get ready for the challenge ahead. The air was filled with laughter and camaraderie, creating an atmosphere brimming with energy and encouragement.
One special highlight of the day was the custom-designed raincoat worn by all participants. Created by our boarding students specifically for this event, the raincoat features our Dulwich dragon and the Alleyn House boarding mascot—a vibrant chameleon—showcasing the creativity and unity of our boarding community, and making for a striking sight throughout the walk.
The Walkathon included five well-planned checkpoints spread across the scenic spots around Jinji Lake, adding a sense of adventure to the journey. At each checkpoint, participants collected a unique stamp, which, when combined, formed a beautiful picture featuring DHSZ and Suzhou’s cultural elements. These checkpoints not only marked progress along the route but also provided opportunities to rest and take in the lake’s beauty.
Within just two hours, the first participant—a parent—reached the finish line, completing the full 15 kilometres!
More walkers soon arrived, some sweating from exertion, others still full of energy. All wore proud, beaming smiles of accomplishment.
This event has been truly special, it's been organised almost entirely by our student leadership team with our boarding staff and the fantastic AMC department. The aim was to bring communities together, bring families together, get our students off devices, and to come out and experience the wonderful surroundings. And it's been amazing to see so many people join us. It truly has been a special experience!
Stepping Forward with Love, Towards a Brighter Future
The Walkathon brought our community closer together, leaving wonderful memories along the shores of Jinji Lake. We were also delighted to see many passersby stopping to learn about the event and donating with warm hearts.
In total, the event raised over 12,000 RMB, with all funds going to China Siyuan Foundation's Siyuan Operation Smile Programme to support surgeries for children with cleft conditions. Our school has a longstanding relationship with Operation Smile, and our students’ dedication to helping children in need remains strong and unwavering.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to every student, parent, and staff member who joined us—you brought warmth and strength to this event. Looking forward, we will continue to walk together, measuring our journey with acts of kindness and lighting up lives with love.
