A toy lightsabre, a school bag, and a chair.
They may not be the trendiest of things, but they are among the gifts that 48 kids from low-income families wished for and received yesterday at a year-end party hosted by Singapore Press Holdings (SPH).
The gifts came from SPH management and staff, who donated over $20,000 worth of presents, non-perishable food items and cash to The Boys’ Brigade Share-A-Gift project.
“It was heartwarming to see the children receiving their presents, enjoying the party and generally being happy,” said Ms Ginney Lim, SPH’s general counsel and executive vice-president of corporate communications.
The beneficiaries from the Trans Family Service Centre (Bedok), aged between one and 15, and their families attended the party at the SPH News Centre Auditorium.
They played games and opened their presents.
Five-year-old Asraf Ridzuan received a radio-controlled car.
His 28-year-old mother, librarian Aisah Laili, said: “The children got to know each other. (My son) made new friends from this event.”
Volunteers from SPH staff were on hand at the party to serve food and help out in entertaining the kids.
Mr Desmond Koh, executive director of The Boys’ Brigade, said that such events make a difference in the lives of those who have less.
“We live in a very affluent society. Many young people have all the latest gadgets and fashion styles,” he said.
“For (the less fortunate) to have this opportunity once a year, just to wish for something that they otherwise couldn’t afford, I think it means a lot to them.”
Share-A-Gift is a Christmas charity project that is now in its 25th year. It aims to grant 30,285 Christmas wishes this year.
Source: My Paper