Speech at Launch of PC2010

Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

1 Today marks the launch of yet another year’s President’s Challenge.  It will be the 11th year we have done this. When President’s Challenge first began, it was a campaign that took only a few days – to be exact, one week.  Now the President’s Challenge spans almost the entire year. I am most heartened to see that the number of volunteers who participate in President’s Challenge has risen many folds over the years.  This shows that our aim to increase awareness among the people about the plight of the under-privileged in our society is widely accepted.  Especially, we are conscious how each of us could do our part to help them. 

2 Each year, regardless of the state of our economy, Singaporeans have come forward spontaneously to do their bit for charity.  They have set aside their time and donated generously to our cause.    Every year in the past 10 years, I set a fundraising target, which began at $3 million in the initial years.  Over the years, the target has increased to $8 million.  But year after year, our target has been exceeded.  I had expected last year’s fundraising to be particularly difficult, with the economy going through a downturn, and corporations and individuals alike tightening their belts.  Yet, Singaporeans rose to the occasion.  Your level of giving and your commitment to helping needy Singaporeans remained steadfast.   Everyone demonstrated that you cared enough to do your part for charity.  I would like to express my deepest appreciation to each and every one of you who took part in President’s Challenge 2009 for your kindness and generosity.  On behalf of the beneficiaries, I thank all for their contribution towards the $11 million that President’s Challenge raised for the 39 beneficiaries last year.

3 President’s Challenge this year, again, aims to raise $8m for 36 beneficiaries.    We hope to be able to do even better this year so that benefiting social service organisations can carry out their programmes and do even more this year.  Many of these organisations also value the volunteers who come forward to lend much-needed support in various aspects of social service programmes and activities.  I urge more to also volunteer this year, as you have done in previous years. 

4 I believe the spirit of charity and volunteerism resounds strongly in our people’s hearts.  I am confident that in the next few months, the needs of the beneficiaries will be met through the fundraising and volunteer activities that will take place.  Singaporeans with their sense of deep compassion and generosity will continue to support those in need.  Every bit of effort will count.  Whether you help by organising a fundraiser and seek donations from the public, or just by taking part in a charity event, it does not matter.  Do something more personal to help the less fortunate, by all means.  I know of many busy working adults and students who take time off to spend time with the beneficiaries - talking to them, imparting a new skill or taking them for an outing.  It means a lot to these beneficiaries when you show that you care, no matter how small the gesture or the donation.

5 Our slogan for President’s Challenge this year is, “We Care”.  It reflects a greater community ownership of this movement, for it is you – participants, volunteers, donors and sponsors – who have ensured the success of the President’s Challenge every year, for the past 10 years.  “We Care” also signals what we are trying to build – a gracious, compassionate society that looks beyond just material success; a society that values each individual member.  One that upholds one another, and helps each one to live in dignity and make a meaningful contribution to society.  That will be an integral part of building a caring Singapore identity, and creating a home we can all be proud of.

6 This year, to promote the message of community participation and giving, the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) will be organising a “Community Service Day”.  It will be in conjunction with the International Volunteers Day which falls on 5 Dec, at the end of this year. I hope everyone in Singapore will volunteer during that month to show that “We Care”. 

Conclusion

7 Allow me, in closing, to thank all those who have pledged their support for President’s Challenge this year.  I know that many organisations and individuals do pledge support and make contributions each year.  I will be remiss if I do not make particular mention of the Lee Foundation, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple and Mr Stephen Riady, who have supported the President’s Challenge for many years, some since its inception, with substantial contributions.  The Tote Board and Singapore Pools have also been steadfast sponsors and supporters of President’s Challenge.  I thank them and many others for their sustained support.    The People’s Association (PA) is one such organisation that has been actively spreading the President’s Challenge charity drive message through various platforms in the past 10 years.  This year, through this event, “Ties that Bind, We are One!” PA has brought 5,000 residents from different constituencies together. The families will be having fun and building community bonds while raising funds for President’s Challenge.  It will be in keeping with the spirit of President’s Challenge – getting people to volunteer and participate in community activities, to build shared experiences.  Through these bonds, we will begin to show we care for one another and demonstrate our concern through our actions.

8 I wish everyone here an enjoyable and meaningful morning.