Speech by President S R Nathan at the Launch of President’s Challenge 2007

Distinguished guests, friends and fellow Singaporeans,

       I am delighted to see so many of you gathered here this evening for the launch of President’s Challenge 2007 and share this evening of fun with your family and loved ones “under the stars”.

2     This year marks the 8th year of the President’s Challenge.  Since its inception in 2000, the President’s Challenge has touched the lives of tens of thousands of Singaporeans.  Be it through the funds raised, the activities organized, or the time set aside for charity, so many of you have contributed in your own ways towards making life better for the less fortunate in our society.  I thank you for your contributions.

3     In its first year, the Challenge raised three million dollars.  Along the way, as more and more Singaporeans came forward with their support for President’s Challenge, we began to raise more each year.  Last year was no exception, for we raised more than $8 million.  This brings the total amount raised by President’s Challenge since its inception to more than $50 million for more than 330 beneficiary organisations.  I hope that with your support, we can continue to raise at least $8 million again this year.

4     I must take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many Singaporeans, from all walks of life who have responded to the call to take up the challenge, year after year.  I am heartened by the numerous partners  and  multitude of volunteers who have stepped forward to support the President’s Challenge.  This year, more than 25 organisations have already pledged their support for President’s Challenge through their various fundraising and volunteer programmes.  I am sure the Singaporean public will do likewise.

5     President’s Challenge is not just about money.  It is about reaching out and touching lives.  Too often we under-estimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.’  The most important part of President’s Challenge is the invitation to each and every Singaporean to come forward to do his or her part for the less fortunate by giving their time, sharing their expertise, lending a hand or providing a listening ear.  In such ways you can make a difference.

6     This year, I have set a new challenge – to get 250,000 people from all walks of life to participate in President’s Challenge.  Participation can be in many forms.  It goes beyond donating and receiving money.  It can involve volunteering to help organize fund raising events for President’s Challenge, helping the President’s Challenge beneficiaries, or even just by taking part in the events.  I urge Singaporeans to show that we care in many different ways, and that we are willing to give more than just our money.  So do bring your friends and relatives to President’s Challenge events, or even organize your own fund-raising efforts within your organizations or work place.  Every bit counts, no matter how small.

7     I also want to record my personal appreciation to Singapore  Pools  and  the  Singapore Totalisator Board, the Challenge Sponsors for 2007, for once again stepping forward to generously support and cover the costs of the President’s Challenge.

8    Special mention also goes to those who have made this evening possible.  My sincere appreciation goes to the Singapore Turf Club for offering its open house, “Fun For All Under The Stars” to launch this year’s Challenge, which has reached out to more than 10,000 people today, and for co-organising the launch event.

9    In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to all who have contributed to the President’s Challenge in the past years and all those who have signed up for this year’s Challenge.  Let us all work together in whatever ways we can and help to plant and nurture the seed of hope in those who look to us for help.  On that note, I am pleased to launch President’s Challenge 2007.  Thank you and have an enjoyable evening.