Pro Bono SG Raises Over $1.7Million; ‘Just Jalan’ Annual Walkathon Attracts Over 1,000 Participants in Support of Access to Justice
- Pro Bono SG’s flagship fundraiser returns for its second edition and grows in impact.
- Funds will support Pro Bono SG’s initiatives to provide legal services to the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 8 February 2025 – Pro Bono SG raised over $1.7million with its flagship fundraiser, Just Jalan 2025, together with its other fundraising events, Pro Bono Weeks and Pro Bono Awards, surpassing last year’s fundraising efforts. Just Jalan 2025, graced by Guest of Honour Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Health, was held at OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub this morning. The hybrid walkathon, offering a 5km walk, an 8km run, and a virtual walk option, rallied over 1,000 participants, including members of the legal profession, students, volunteers, and the broader community.
Just Jalan 2025 marked the second edition of the annual fundraiser, successfully combining in-person and virtual participation to raise awareness and funds for the access to justice cause. The event continues to grow in impact, engaging more individuals and organisations in the mission to ensure legal services are accessible to all, especially the vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information & Health, said, “It is inspiring to witness such a diverse group of individuals come together for a cause as important as ensuring access to justice for everyone, especially the vulnerable in our society. Just Jalan 2025 serves as a reminder that justice is not a privilege for the few, but a fundamental pillar of our society. The legal community’s commitment to pro bono work is truly commendable year on year, and I am proud to be part of this effort to make a real difference. As we continue to support and empower those who may not have the means to access legal assistance, we move closer to building a society where fairness and equality are within everyone’s reach.”
Ms Rahayu Mahzam, flagged off the physical walk and run this morning, which covered a scenic 5km or 8km route respectively from OCBC Square at the Singapore Sports Hub, passing by Tanjong Rhu towards Bay East Garden before returning to the event hub at OCBC Square. Participants also enjoyed a vibrant carnival at OCBC Square, featuring a range of engaging carnival games, face painting, booths by Yoga+ Studio and Pro Bono SG, as well as refreshments to keep them hydrated and energised.
Mr Dinesh Dhillon, Pro Bono SG Chairman and Just Jalan Chairman, said, “Since its inception, Just Jalan has become more than just a fundraising event – it is a symbol of our collective commitment to making justice accessible for all. The unwavering dedication of our participants and donors, whether they’re walking, running, or fundraising, reflects the deep sense of responsibility we all share in ensuring no one is left behind in our legal system. This year’s event has raised the bar, and we remain focused on strengthening the impact of our core programs that serve those most in need in our society.”
The $1.7 million raised comprises donations from firms, individuals, and peer-to-peer fundraising on the Just Jalan 2025 website. These funds will support Pro Bono SG’s core programs, including the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS), Family Justice Support Scheme (FJSS), and Community Legal Clinic (CLC), which provide free legal advice, representation, and support to vulnerable individuals.
The event also recognised outstanding supporters, with TSMP Law Corporation, led by Mr Thio Shen Yi SC, Managing Partner of TSMP Law Corporation, securing the title of Top Team and Organisation Fundraiser. Ms Stefanie Yuen Thio, Managing Partner of TSMP Law Corporation, was also named one of the Top Individual Fundraisers. The couple’s unwavering dedication to the cause of access to justice exemplifies the collective power of the legal community to effect meaningful change in ensuring access to justice for all.
“The generosity and support from our wider legal community and beyond has been incredible,” said Mr Thio Shen Yi SC. “This is what we can do when we come together in common cause. The peer-to-peer platform democractises fundraising where every individual has agency and can choose to make an impactful contribution. It not only enlarges Pro Bono SG’s mindshare in the marketplace, but unites all of us in a collective responsibility to ensure justice for all in our vulnerable communities. Let’s leave no one behind. This is a purpose driven event, a call was made, and we answered that call emphatically.”
Just Jalan 2025 also marked the conclusion of Singapore’s inaugural Pro Bono Weeks, championed by Pro Bono SG, which celebrates the legal community’s contributions to pro bono work – including lawyers, law students, in-house counsels, foreign counsels and non-legal volunteers. Pro Bono Weeks included activities such as a Fireside chat with our Pro Bono Ambassadors, the Singapore Pro Bono Roundtable, the launch of the Singapore In-House Legal Counsel Pro Bono Guide 2025, Governance Toolkit for Singapore Charities, and Employment Law Handbook for Singapore Charities. This bears testament to the local legal profession’s enduring commitment to service and inspires the next generation of lawyers to continue this vital tradition of giving back.
For more information about Just Jalan 2025 walkathon, please visit https://justjalan.probono.sg.