Speech by President S R Nathan at the Launch of President's Challenge 2009

Mrs Yu-Foo Yee Shoon, Minister of State for Community Development, Youth and Sports

Ladies and Gentlemen

1.      Once again we meet to launch the President’s Challenge for this year. In a way we are commemorating two events of significance – we are celebrating President’s Challenge’s 10th anniversary and also Singapore Flyer’s first anniversary.  

2.      What began 10 years ago, the President’s Challenge has each year brought more and more organisations, agencies, citizen groups and individuals to take part in giving their bit to charitable causes. When I started President’s Challenge in year 2000, I wanted it to be a movement to encourage all Singaporeans from every walk of life to be conscious of the less fortunate among us and participate in fundraising, volunteering and in any other way to help the less fortunate. I envisioned Singapore as a nation of compassionate people who graciously give their time and money to help the needy through the social agencies that serve them, as well as through individual effort.

Appreciation to all PC Donors and Fundraisers
3.      In the first year of President’s Challenge, I urged you, the Singapore community, to raise $3 million. You surpassed it. When I raised the target to $7 million in 2003, you did it again and more. Year after year, you have never failed to respond to my call to give and touch lives. In 2007 and 2008, you exceeded the $8 million target which I had set and raised more than $12 million. This year the Challenge will indeed be formidable.  

4.      I am gratified that President’s Challenge has raised over $70 million for more than 400 beneficiaries since its inception, 10 years ago. To all fundraising partners and volunteers, I would like to say “Thank you, Singapore! You are truly a nation of givers!”  

5.      I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Singapore Pools and the Singapore Totalisator Board, our Challenge Sponsors for their sustained financial support in covering the administrative costs of President’s Challenge’s fund-raising events over the past years. Through their help, we have been able to channel as much of the money raised through the events held under the banner of the President’s Challenge to all the intended beneficiaries – be they families, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other social service endeavours.

Appeal to Continue Donating and Fundraising in Economic Recession
6.       2009 poses a significant challenge for all fundraising efforts, and President’s Challenge will be no exception. While Singapore is doing her best to battle this recession, social needs, on the other hand, are increasing. The voluntary welfare organizations are already seeing an increase in caseload. And they are bracing themselves for more cases, both in terms of increasing volume, as well as new societal problems, both complicated and protracted. Lately we have become aware that more people are facing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. We will need to intensify our efforts in this area of need. The economic downturn and its impact on society will throw up new areas needing our support.

7.       In fact, we must focus on helping those needy families who are even more vulnerable in this downturn, and hope that they can be helped to weather through this crisis. We must help their children continue to attend school, for this is their hope for a better life in the future. This is the least we can do for them and other less privileged amongst us. I therefore urge all of you to play your part, and rise to the challenge posed by the current adverse economic situation facing us. Do your best to extend a helping hand where it is most needed. More community and social agencies will need support so that more people can be helped this year. President’s Challenge 2009 is committed to fundraise for all these various social services needs. The target for 2009 is once again $8 million.

8.      I am heartened to note that to date this year, about 20 organisations have pledged their support for President’s Challenge. I urge everyone in Singapore, community groups, businesses, private foundations, individuals, to come forward and participate in President’s Challenge this year, through the giving of time and money. Your donations will go a long way, especially in this difficult economic times.

9.      I would like to reiterate, and hope, that Singaporeans can extend some kindness and cheer to those affected by the economic downturn. Sometimes, all it takes are simple gestures to show concern for our fellow neighbours. We need to express the spirit of President’s Challenge, with everyone doing a little something for another person who needs help. Every contribution helps, be it a monetary donation or the giving of time.

Conclusion
10.      In closing, I would like to express my appreciation to the Singapore Flyer for starting a charity donation drive in support of President’s Challenge, and for co-organising this event. Despite the challenging global business climate, Singapore Flyer has chosen to continue to raise funds for charities and President’s Challenge. I look forward to others joining them in a similar endeavour.

11.      On that note, I am pleased to launch President’s Challenge 2009. Thank you and have an enjoyable evening.