300 children and youths were also treated to a performance of Korean Martial Arts Comedy JUMP

Jun 30, 2007
AsiaOne

Twenty Singapore charities received a huge lift today with a $20,000 donation from the Singapore Press Holdings' (SPH) Foundation.

A cheque was presented this afternoon at the Esplanade Theater by SPH Foundation Chairman Dr Tony Tan to Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of the Community Chest, who received the donation on behalf of the charities.

Some 300 children and youths from the 20 charities were also treated to a world-class performance and a chance to get up close with the cast of JUMP Korean Martial Arts Comedy.

The charities were chosen after close consultation with the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), for their vital role in providing special education, early intervention, support and rehabilitative services to children with special needs.

The charities also offer care and protection to young children and adolescents who are at risk due to neglect or abuse and/or lack adequate family support.

Dr Tan said: "While our contribution to the charity programmes may provide some financial relief, I would urge all of us to play a role in supporting the integration of the marginalised children and youth into the community.

"Our care and encouragement for them will help them see beyond the constraints of their intellectual and physical limitations, and family circumstances."

The donation will benefit children with special needs like 14-year-old Razali from Grace Orchard School, which is a special school catering to the needs of children with mild intellectual disability and autism. With the help of his teachers, Razali has improved tremendously in his reading ability within the last one year.

Ms Ang Bee Lian, Chief Executive Officer, NCSS, said: "For the third year running, SPH Foundation has pledged its unwavering support to developing disadvantaged children and youth under the care of Community Chest. With this contribution towards the 20 selected charity programmes, these children and youth will have a greater chance at succeeding in life."

The SPH Foundation is a registered charity which was set up in January 2003 to help build a lifelong learning community that embraces language enrichment, creativity, diversity, healthy living and sports.

It is the presenting sponsor for JUMP, a high-octane, non-verbal performance that blends comedy with the Korean martial art of taekwondo, and which was a box office hit at the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

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