Media giant Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) today donated $200,000 to 20 charity programmes that benefit the disabled.

The programmes enable people with different types of disability to pick up useful skills for daily living, and to increase their employment opportunities and confidence.

The donation is the 4th SPH annual group giving to charity, as part of the company's overall corporate social responsibility.

Dr Tony Tan, Chairman of SPH, presented the cheque to Rear Admiral (Retired) Kwek Siew Jin, President of National Council of Social Service, and Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of the Community Chest, at SPH News Centre today.

Since 2004, when the group giving started, SPH has given S$16 million in donations and sponsorships to the arts, conservation, education, community and sports.

This is the second year that SPH is helping the disabled. The contribution will help the disabled cultivate job skills and find employment apart from funding the running of day activity centres, hostels, counselling and therapy services.

SPH’s donation is in response to the Community Chest's call to the nation to help meet its $52 million target this year to fund 147 charity programmes, most of which caters to the disabled. Although the disabled group accounts for 14 per cent of the total number of beneficiaries, the services for the disabled require bigger funding.

Dr Tony Tan, Chairman of SPH said: ”The annual group giving is not just a means for us to contribute to a good cause, but also to inspire our staff and nation to help the less fortunate.”

He also paid tribute to the staff and volunteers of the beneficiaries. “In addition, we must not forget the daily sacrifices of the staff and volunteers of the 20 charitable organisations and programmes. They have gone a long way in helping the disabled assimilate and integrate into mainstream society, and to give them opportunities to live, work and play like their fellow Singaporeans”.

One of the beneficiaries is Mr How Hon Fai, 30, who has mild intellectual disability and has benefited from various programmes at TOUCH Ubi Hostel since 2005. A cleaner today, Mr How says: “Thank you for believing in us and helping us live our dreams, just like everyone else.”

Having a job has made Mr How a more confident person. His parents are also proud that he was able to find employment despite his disability.

SPH's employees from various divisions and newsrooms entertained the beneficiaries at the cheque presentation with songs.