“Boys’ Town has always been a big family in my life.” - Harry Mealin

Boys’ Town – A Special Place for Harry

At just 11 years old, Harry Mealin came to Boys’ Town after his father passed, as his working mother had to fend for him and his two brothers. He was first introduced to Boys’ Town by the principal of the school he was attending, and stayed here for 7 years until he completed his “O” Levels.

During his time here, Harry grew up with love and care provided by the Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel, who were managing Boys’ Town at the time. The Brothers imparted values and character to not just Harry but all the boys who were in their care. Expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the Brothers and his experience at Boys’ Town, Harry shared that "[Their teachings] have shaped me into who I am today. It has given me all the independent skills to go out and fend for myself and to take life as it comes along.”

Wanting to give back the love he received, he has imparted the knowledge and wisdom not only to his own three children but also as a Programme Supervisor at Boys’ Town when he returned as part of his career. Harry later went on to become the Head of Residential Services before he migrated to USA. All in all, Harry has devoted more than a decade of his life to Boys’ Town.

Despite having left Boys’ Town physically, his heart has never left this special place. In 2015, Harry led a team of youths on a 300KM walk from Malacca to Singapore together to commemorate and raise funds for the 300^th Anniversary of the founding Brothers of St Gabriel. The walk left such an impact on him and inspired his family that, in 2019, his 16-year-old son asked if they could take on a greater challenge of 500KM to raise awareness and funds for Boys’ Town again. The father-son duo then walked from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur over a period of 12 days to raise funds for Boys' Town.

The Spirit of Challenge

This year, to celebrate Boys’ Town’s momentous milestone of reaching 75 years, Harry wants to spread this joy and elation with his friends in Singapore, USA (where he now resides) and the other Montfortian Institutions. Through his 300KM walk spanning over Sabah, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Singapore, Harry aims to continue his spirit of challenge while raising awareness and funds in support of the programmes and operations of Boys’ Town.

Details of his walk are as follows:

• Sabah (75KM): 8 August 2024 to 9 August 2024
• Kuala Lumpur (75KM): 10 August 2024 to 11 August 2024
• Malacca (75KM): 12 August 2024 to 13 August 2024
• Singapore (75KM, Final Leg): 15 August 2024 to 16 August 2024

The campaign will run from 15 July 2024 to 31 August 2024. Let's cheer on and support Harry on his amazing walk as he aims to raise $75,000 through his inspirational journey!