'Kits for Kids' appeals for donations of scale model kits

UPDATE: Exciting event highlights revealed below!

SINGAPORE - Kits for Kids returns this May for another round of fundraising to help students in need, and the fundraiser's organiser is appealing for donations of scale model kits for the charity sale and cash donations.

Scale models are miniature versions of vehicles, aircraft, vessels or popular action figures. Each kit contains little parts which have to be assembled together.

Organised by Students Care Service (SCS), the fundraising event is appealing to the public to donate model kits for the charity sale, and businesses to take up a sponsorship package or send in cash donations to help hit the fundraising target of over $60,000.

SCS is a registered charity and a member of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). It provides a variety of services, including educational psychological programmes, in schools, the community and through its centres to children and youths who need support.

The funds raised through Kits for Kids will benefit students, aged between five to 10 years old, who are unable to pay the full fees of the Learning and Social Support Programmes (LSSP). The LSSP helps students with learning difficulties through proper assessment and interventions, as well as parent education and support.

All donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by Care and Share Movement by Community Chest. Cash donations will also be eligible for 300 per cent tax deductions.

Into its second year, Kits for Kids was the brainchild of Minister for Social and Family Development and outgoing Manpower Minister Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, who is a scale model enthusiast himself.

The 46-year-old told My Paper last year that he started the hobby in primary school.

Even though it can be time-consuming, making scale models can be therapeutic, he said, adding that It is also an art form, especially when it comes to painting the figures.

Last year, to kick-start the event, Mr Tan donated his personal stash of 500 military scale model sets, bringing the total contributions to around 1,300 sets. The models ranged from war vehicles to Dragon Batman kits.

The overwhelming support from the public saw over 1,000 kits being sold within two hours and by 5.30pm that day, all the models were sold out.

The Kits for Kids event this year will be held on May 16, from 12 noon to 5pm, at Kampong Ubi Community Centre.

The fundraiser will be opened by Mr Tan.

Here are some of the exciting event highlights:

- A free Bandai hands-on modelling workshop for beginners (all ages welcomed!)

- Discount sale of 40 per cent for Hobby Kulture model kits (a $2 donation will be made for every kit sold)

- Exhibition of the best completed kits, and visitors can even purchase selected models

- Demonstration of radio-controlled vehicles by RC World of Ships, RCABS, RCHH

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/thek4k

AsiaOne is the official media partner for Students Care Service (SCS).

wjeanne@sph.com.sg