Christmas comes early for 500 kids at Universal Studios

Singapore

OVER 500 under-privileged children visited the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) theme park at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) last Friday, where they were joined by 150 volunteers from the integrated resort.

They had the chance to march along with Santa's Snowy Sleigh Ride parade to mark the launch of the theme park's "A Universal Christmas" event, which is ongoing until Jan 1.

With the children at the event - which features four floats and over 50 characters such as elves and Santa Claus - were RWS chief executive officer Tan Hee Teck and Central Singapore District mayor Denise Phua.

After the parade, the special guests were treated to Santa's Christmas Light-up Party, a show with projection mapping, snowfall, streamers, music, and mass dancing with costumed characters such as the Minions and Shrek.

The event was the highlight of the integrated resort's annual aRWSome Wishes programme - a Christmas giving and community outreach event - and was organised in partnership with Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC).

Hundreds of RWS staff went the extra mile to give the children gifts of USS merchandise, which they bought using their own funds.

"RWS is a partner that has been consistently seeking opportunities to bless those who are disadvantaged in our midst," said Central Singapore CDC's Ms Phua.

"We both believe that all children, regardless of their family backgrounds, should experience the joy of festivities and especially during the school holidays. We encourage more corporates to step up and join us in this journey of doing good."

RWS has also created an eco-friendly Christmas e-card and will pledge S$5 to the Community Chest - up to a maximum of S$250,000 - for every card sent.

The money will be channelled to the Community Chest to support the Compassvale Bow Adult Disability Home, Singapore's first specialised home for adults with autism. Those who want to send the e-cards can do so at www.rwsentosa.com from Dec 14.