$1m raised for charity to mark SG50

$1m raised for charity to mark SG50

In just two months, 50 young people raised $1 million for charity, to mark Singapore's Golden Jubilee (SG50) next year.

The funds for the 50 for Fifty charity drive were raised more quickly than expected, said organisers The Social Co yesterday.

That was because of the 50 volunteers "working hard at organising their own events and fund-raising activities", said Social Co founder Rebekah Lin.

The events include carnivals, cocktail parties and auctions. Next week, for instance, there will be a dinner, as well as a three-day concert featuring 50 local artistes, such as Tabula and Jack & Rai.

Almost 30 corporate sponsors - including banks and online retailer Zalora, have come onboard as sponsors.

In addition, the National Youth Council has lent its support for project management costs by contributing $25,000.

Corporations donated $620,000 and "changemakers" - the term the fund-raisers use for themselves - raised $380,000.

The volunteers, who are aged between 18 and 34, aim to help raise funds for lesser known charities that might have trouble doing so on their own.

Selected charities include the Student Advisory Centre, which helps underprivileged children, and Caregivers Alliance, which supports caregivers of people with mental illness.

One of the beneficiaries, Special Olympics Singapore, said the charity drive is "making a difference in the lives of many Singaporeans who need a helping hand".

"It bodes well for Singapore that our youth see beyond themselves and are able to creatively raise funds for social causes," said Special Olympics Singapore president Teo-Koh Sock Miang.

kxinghui@sph.com.sg


This article was first published on December 11, 2014.
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