The President’s Challenge 2012 has successfully raised over S$11 million this year.
The money came from direct public contributions and from over 40 fundraising events organised by various partners and organisations.
These include the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ Vertical Challenge, Singapore Polytechnic’s Flag Day, and SingHealth’s Symphony for Health event.
This is the first year the President’s Challenge is under the helm of President Tony Tan Keng Yam.
This year also saw a 40 per cent increase in the number of beneficiary organisations – from 39 last year to 55 in 2012.
Expressing his thanks, President Tan said: “Thank you Singapore for your tremendous support of the President’s Challenge. The funds raised will go a long way towards improving the lives of the 55 beneficiaries supported by President’s Challenge 2012.
“I am encouraged to see that besides financial contributions, many Singaporeans give of their time, energy and skills to make a difference in our community through volunteering and social entrepreneurship. I hope that Singaporeans will continue to participate actively in these efforts to create a more caring and compassionate society.”
For some organisations, getting the public to do their bit took on an innovative twist this year.
Jointly organised by the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and EZ-Link Pte Ltd, the “Tap and Donate” project is one such example. The public could make a donation simply by tapping their EZ-Link cards on designated machines at selected locations, or by purchasing special edition President’s Challenge EZ-Link cards.
This year also saw the launch of the President’s Challenge Social Enterprise Award in March and the President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive (PCVD) in August.
While the Social Enterprise Award serves to increase awareness and support for social enterprises in Singapore, the Volunteer Drive promotes volunteerism.
Officially launched on September 1 with a visit by President Tony Tan to the Lions Befrienders, the Volunteer Drive saw the participation of more than 6,000 individuals and over 100 non-profit and voluntary organisations.
The President’s Challenge has received good support from a pool of regular supporters and participating organisations. They include Microsoft, Singapore Press Holdings, MediaCorp, Mindef, Singapore GP, Siemens, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis), MOE, MND and schools such as Temasek Secondary School, Victoria School, the Nanyang Family of Schools and ACS (Independent).
It has also enjoyed strong support from Challenge Sponsors Singapore Pools and the Singapore Totalisator Board.
You can still donate to the President’s Challenge before year-end – visit www.sggives.org/psc2012.
This article is an adaption of news article published in CNA and Asiaone