Speech by President S R Nathan at the launch of President’s Challenge 2006

Distinguished Guests
Friends & Fellow Singaporeans

1. Thank you all for taking the time to join me at the launch of President’s Challenge 2006.

2. Each year, my message is a simple but heartfelt one – that each one of us, has a role to play in helping the less privileged among us.  From past years’ achievements, you have shown that all of us can do our part and contribute to this effort.

3. Last year, the combined efforts from many organisations and individuals contributed to raising more than $9.7 million for 54 charities, including the Community Chest.  We have indeed come a long way from 2000 when President’s Challenge was first initiated. If you refer to the booklet that has been distributed to you tonight, you will realise how much progress we have made over the years. I hope there will be a greater appreciation of the meaningful work that has been done through the President’s Challenge.

4. I’m touched that so many of you have been with the Challenge over these years and have remained faithful to the cause. With your staunch support, I am confident that we can do much more, and much better.  There are also new players in our midst who have stepped forward, and I believe our concerted efforts and commitment can make a difference to the lives of the many beneficiaries this year.   

5. Each year, I am particularly glad to see the participation and involvement of Singaporeans from all walks of life in the various events under President’s Challenge. This year’s Challenge will continue to provide many avenues for community participation and involvement. This year, we aim to raise at least $8 million for 49 charities and more organisations could benefit if we exceed our target.

6. It does not matter whether you are young or old, rich or poor.  Your every act of kindness and generosity will impact someone, often in ways we may not be able to imagine.  Your efforts provide a glimpse of hope, a chance to live a more normal life, an opportunity to be a meaningful part of the society we have built here.  As the various President’s Challenge events take place between now and September, I urge each one of us to continue to do our best.

7. My deepest appreciation goes out to the steering committee members, chaired by Mr Niam Chiang Meng, and his partners and colleagues across many organisations.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the many supporters and partners of President’s Challenge for their steadfast and generous support.

8. It would be remiss of me to end my speech without making special mention of some of the people who have made this evening’s event possible. My special thanks to Music for Good and Athena Arts for putting together this evening’s exciting launch programme. My deepest appreciation also goes to Rosemary and her team of volunteers who have been serving since 2003 in organising the launches and lending their support throughout the President’s Challenge events. This year they have once again pulled together in bringing about this evening’s launch, which I am sure will be an enjoyable one.

9. I am also grateful to Singapore Press Holdings for agreeing once again this year to sponsor $200,000 worth of advertising space in their papers.  I would also like to thank Victoria School for their unwavering support to assist and maintain the President’s Challenge 2006 website on top of their own fundraising projects.

10. Last but not least, I would like to thank Singapore Pools and Singapore Totalisator Board for their generous support once again in ensuring the success of the President’s Challenge this year.  Over the past 6 years, their financial support in covering the administrative costs of all key President’s Challenge’s fund-raising events has meant that we are able to channel every dollar that is raised through these events directly to our beneficiaries.

11. I wish everyone an enjoyable evening.