Christmas trees light up Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Singapore

CHRISTMAS comes early again this year at Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. A row of 30 specially designed Christmas trees lighted up the area on Friday (Nov 19), bringing much cheer to the public during the year-end-festive season, as well as fundraising for charities.

The 11th edition of the ChariTrees fundraiser - themed Tales of the Future - was officiated by President Halimah Yacob.

It includes a new beneficiary, the School of the Arts Endowment Fund (Sota EF), in addition to Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), which carries out intervention and suicide prevention services, and #Engage, a programme by non-profit organisation TRCL that aims to bridge the digital divide for vulnerable children and youths.

The event was organised by TRCL, a not-for-profit arts organisation, SOS and School of the Arts (Sota).

Phan Ming Yen, chief operating officer, TRCL, said: "We understood that there was a growing need from the Sota EF. Of importance is that the choice beneficiaries for ChariTrees reflect the concerns which have arisen since the pandemic broke out - that of bridging the digital divide, addressing mental wellness and suicide prevention, and meeting the educational needs of Singapore's talented youths amid the current economic climate...

"For 2021, we had increased the number of beneficiaries to 3, compared to 2 in 2021. Also in line with the theme of looking towards the future, we have tried for a more conceptual approach to the design for some of the trees, and we have also involved a young Sota student in the design of one of the trees."

Sota principal Mary Seah said: "Sota is thankful to be a part of ChariTrees 2021, and for the opportunity given to our student, Minjoo, to co-design one of the trees for this meaningful event."

Seah added that the donations raised from ChariTrees would go towards Sota EF, which forms a sustainable source of funds to provide for bursaries, scholarships and other financial assistance to the students who need them.

"This enables us to make arts education accessible to more young aspiring artists. Minjoo's design represents hope and light for our youth, to continue pursuing their dreams, even when the future may seem uncertain."

Gasper Tan, chief executive of SOS, said: "Despite the ravaging pandemic, we want to remember this year as the year of social responsibility; and to continue to build on existing efforts and find new ways to support mental health in our communities...

"ChariTrees also symbolises the congregation of strength among charities, where we hope others may be inspired by the resilience and determination of our people to rise above, resolve and respond to adversities."

The annual event has raised S$315,000 as at Nov 19, and the fund raising is still ongoing.

The trees can be viewed until Dec 26.

• For more information, visit https://www.giving.sg/trcl/charitrees2021