David Lim knows what it means to lose confidence – and to slowly rebuild it.

In 1998, after leading the first Singapore Mount Everest expedition, David developed a rare nerve disorder that left him with permanent weakness and mobility challenges. Even simple movements became a struggle. Walking required intense effort, and the loss of independence chipped away at his confidence.

Over time, with the right aids and adjustments, he regained the ability to move more freely. More importantly, he regained dignity and the ability to make his own choices. That lived experience of vulnerability and restoration became the foundation for his giving: the belief that kindness and dignity should never be overlooked.

A Foundation Rooted in Care

In 2022, David established the David Lim Everest Foundation. Without children to inherit his estate, he wanted his legacy to reflect the values that have guided his life – compassion, awareness, and the conviction that care, carried forward thoughtfully, can outlast us.

The foundation alternates its support between two causes close to his heart:

• People with disabilities, where he advocates for solutions that restore confidence and independence.
• Animal welfare, reflecting more than 25 years of rescuing, fostering, and adopting pets with his wife.

It’s a practical model, but also a deeply personal one — shaped by the same choices he lives every day.

Living His Values

David believes in “giving while living”, supporting causes he cares about today, not only in the future.

At home, this has meant always adopting rather than buying pets, giving a home to animals that others overlook. For him, adoption is more than a personal choice, but also a statement about kindness and dignity.

Through his foundation, David extends this care outward, supporting groups that rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals, while building public awareness around adoption as the more compassionate choice.

That same belief in dignity underpins his support for people with disabilities. Having lived through the daily frustrations of physical limitation, he knows that small changes such as a mobility aid, or a supportive environment can transform lives.

“It’s about not just managing the disability,” David explains, “but giving people the dignity of being able to make their own choices.”

Building a Kinder Future

For David, kindness should not be exceptional — it should be the way society works. His philanthropy is about drawing attention to causes that are too easily ignored, and amplifying the voices of those often left out of mainstream conversations.

He hopes his giving will help bridge the empathy gap: to help us see what we too often miss, and to respond with compassion.

David’s story is a reminder that a legacy is not defined by recognition or wealth, but by the choices we make to lift others — especially those who might otherwise be left behind.

Inspired to Start Your Giving Journey?

The Community Foundation of Singapore’s Legacy Giving Campaign helps individuals plan and structure their giving, both during their lifetime, or as part of their estate.

David himself recalls being inspired by examples CFS shared with him while he was researching causes. One was ACRES, whose work in animal rescue and anti-cruelty enforcement aligned closely with his vision of long-term, compassionate change.

His story shows how personal experiences can be transformed into lasting good. And as his giving continues, it opens the door for others to ask not just what they can give, but why and for whom.

You can choose to:

• Give Now: Create an immediate impact with a donor-advised fund.
• Give Later: Include a fund in your will, trust, or CPF/insurance nominations.
• Give Now, Give Later: Do both and amplify your impact across generations.

Start your own journey at www.legacygiving.sg or contact the Community Foundation of Singapore to learn more.

About the Campaign
This story is part of the Legacy Giving Campaign by the Community Foundation of Singapore.

Anchored by the message “Make Your Story Greater,” the campaign invites individuals to reflect on how their values and personal journeys can continue shaping the future through legacy giving.

Because behind every legacy is a life fully lived — and a desire to make that story greater still.