Keppel Club raises record S$1.28m for charity

Singapore

THE future of Keppel Club is bleak, for its land lease ends in 2021 and the prime area is set for an extensive redevelopment for the upcoming Greater Southern Waterfront project.

While the club - founded in 1904 and the oldest in Singapore at its original site - is seeking a way to ensure that its members can continue playing golf, it has not let up on its prime project of sharing and giving.

Despite knowing that the club will have to close its doors at Bukit Chermin permanently in two years' time, the management and members kept their spirits high during a charity gala dinner on Sunday night.

Thanks to last weekend's Keppel Charity Golf event involving almost 200 golfers, the club raised a record S$1,283,800, a major part of it to be disbursed to 10 selected charities.

The 10 are: Down Syndrome Association, HCA Hospice, Home Nursing Foundation, Lembaga Biasiswa Kenangan Maulud, Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), Reach Community Services, Society for the Aged Sick, SPD Singapore, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and St Luke's Hospital.

In addition, this year for the first time, the charity event is part of the President's Challenge. A total of S$500,000 will be given out to 67 charities under the platform of the President's Star Charity TV show on Nov 10.

The total funds were increased also through a Raffle Draw and an auction segment at the dinner.

The amount raised is the highest for a golf club in Singapore, and for the seventh time the total funds exceeded $1 million.

Guest-of honour President Halimah Yacob and about 180 guests were also entertained by sand artist Lawrence Koh, who brought out the heritage aspect of the club through his adept handwork, and soprano soloist Lauren Yeo who belted out three love-themed songs.

"Keppel Club has always sought to be community inclusive, hence we are delighted to expand our reach by contributing part of the proceeds from our Keppel Charity Golf to the President's Challenge," said Keppel Club president Lai Mun Onn.

"Despite the imminent expiry of our land lease, we have remained true to our commitment to charity and hope that our efforts will inspire others to open their hearts to those in need within our society."

Long-time Keppel member K C Choo said: "I have been a loyal supporter of the Keppel charity event. It is a significant event on the club calendar, and I have observed that the support from members and guests has been tremendous."