Over 25,000 North East residents to benefit from $3.4 million boost in community funds

SINGAPORE - Taoist charity Zhi Zhen Tan Dao Xue Hui (Singapore) [新加坡旨真坛道学会] has pledged to continue its support to the North East Community Development Council (CDC) for another five years.

This follows a successful partnership with the CDC from 2010 to 2014.

It will contribute a total of $1.25 million over five years towards the CDC's programmes, more than the $1 million it gave previously.

It will also co-fund a further $150,000 donation per year for three years together with home-grown electronics component distributor, Serial System Ltd.

The North East CDC will match the donation dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total amount raised to cover the next five years to $3.4 million.

This brings the total amount of funds garnered since the start of the partnership in 2010 to $5.4 million.

With this money, various programmes for children, families and the elderly in the district will be funded, including the North East School Meal Fund, North East Community Vouchers Programme, Tuition Subsidy Programme, Care Team (Befriending) Programme, as well as two mass charity gatherings for the needy.

Over 25,000 underprivileged residents are expected to benefit from these programmes.

Mr Teo Ser Luck, Mayor of North East District received the donation from Dr Derek Goh, BBM, President of Zhi Zhen Tan Dao Xue Hui (Singapore) in a cheque presentation ceremony held at Seng Kang Secondary School today.

He said: Said Mayor Teo: "We are delighted to have the continued support of Zhi Zhen Tan Dao Xue Hui (Singapore). For our programmes to make a meaningful impact in the beneficiaries' lives, they have to be long-term and sustainable, and not once-off.

"This funding contribution will no doubt help us maintain assistance schemes that can plug local gaps where national policies cannot, and benefit more residents who might have fallen through the cracks otherwise."

ellenja@sph.com.sg