10 years of bringing joy to children

Singapore

CHILDREN for Children (CFC) last Thursday marked 10 years of fundraising and celebrating Children's Day for more than 10,000 children under the Ministry of Education's financial assistance scheme with trips to Singapore's iconic attractions since its beginnings in 2008.

Jointly organised by The Business Times, CHIJ (Kellock) and The RICE Company Ltd, the initiative raises funds for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, which has provided more than 16,000 financially disadvantaged children and youth with arts training and performing opportunities since 2004.

This year, 1,000 children visited Resorts World Sentosa where they marvelled at the S.E.A. Aquarium's myriad of marine animals, including majestic manta rays, hammerhead sharks and poison arrow frogs. They also had fun and games at The Maritime Experiential Museum, learning about the rich history of the maritime silk route, colourful spice trade and perilous adventures of ocean explorers.

Celebrations were also extra special this year with CHIJ (Kellock) pupils staging an original musical production for the first time, titled Journey To Your Dreams. Through stirring songs, rousing tap dances and graceful gymnastics, they narrated an inspiring tale of seeking out dreams and letting them take flight.

Minister for Social and Family Development Desmond Lee was guest-of-honour at the event.

"CFC builds a virtuous cycle of giving and sharing between the community and those less fortunate in our society", said Wong Wei Kong, editor of The Business Times. "We're thankful for the organisations and individuals who believed in CFC, and the donors for their generosity in making this year's event possible." In total, S$337,793 was raised with the support of Tote Board, ERA Realty Network Private Limited, Kenn Foundation, ING Bank, Hong Leong Group Singapore of companies (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, City Developments Limited, Hong Leong Holdings Limited, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, and Hong Leong Finance), CWT Limited, Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited and Singapore Pools, as well as individuals.