Where care begins: a fundraiser’s story

For Tan Yi Jing, 37, fundraising is far more than a job – it is a mission grounded in empathy, purpose and people. As a member of the fundraising team at NKF, Yi Jing is now in her fourth year of forging connections that change lives.

“What keeps me going is knowing that what we do truly eases the burden on our patients,” she shares. “Finances should be the last thing anyone worries about during their fight to survive.”

It is that drive to make life better for kidney patients and their families that fuels everything she does. Whether she is engaging with corporate donors, crafting heartfelt stories, or packing care items herself, Yi Jing ensures that every action is rooted in compassion.

Fuelled by purpose, inspired by people

Yi Jing was drawn to NKF because of its holistic approach – not just treatment but education, prevention and support. “It’s meaningful because the work doesn’t just stop at raising funds,” she explains. “It ripples through the community, helping people live better lives and inspiring others to give back.”

Her day-to-day work revolves around people – finding those who care about the cause and building relationships that last. From creative storytelling and donor engagement to logistics and campaign planning, her role is diverse and deeply personal.

“People often think fundraisers are just like salespeople – but we’re not,” she adds with a smile. “We listen to patients’ stories, we share them with donors and we work hard behind the scenes to make sure support goes where it’s most needed.”

From bubble tea to big changes

Working at NKF has sparked surprising shifts in Yi Jing’s own lifestyle. “Anyone who knows me knows I love bubble tea,” she laughs. “But for 2025, I’ve decided to cut it out and take better care of my health – so far, I’ve gone nine months without it!”

This personal change is a reflection of the broader message she helps promote every day – that prevention, wellness and small decisions matter. And it shows how NKF’s work is not just transforming patients’ lives but also shaping the people who serve behind the scenes.

Moments that stay with you

One of Yi Jing’s proudest achievements is Race Inspired, a cross-department initiative that promoted health and raised funds through community synergy.

“It brought people together not just to support, but to live the cause,” she recalls.

She also remembers meeting a dialysis patient who, despite her own financial challenges, continues to give back. “Her generosity, even in the midst of struggle, reminds me why I do this,” Yi Jing says. “It’s incredibly humbling.”

Hope, connection and the road ahead

At the heart of Yi Jing’s work is a commitment to keeping donors connected to the mission. Whether through photos, impact stories or patient updates, she helps donors see that their contributions make a real difference.

“When people see how their support helps others, they often become more than donors – they become advocates,” she says. “Some even bring their friends into the cause.”

Looking ahead, Yi Jing is energised by the potential to grow community support, especially among younger donors. “Fundraising should be “fun-raising” – meaningful, creative and engaging,” she says.

To the generous donors who walk this journey with NKF, Yi Jing has a message: “Your support doesn’t just give life – it gives hope. It creates real, lasting change, not just for patients but for their families too. Thank you for being part of something so meaningful.”

“Being a fundraiser isn’t just about raising money – it’s about inspiring hope, building trust and growing with the community I serve.”

Tan Yi Jing, inspired by the strength of patients and the generosity of donors