Singapore , 28 March 2008 -- Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Singtel) today announced that the  Singtel Touching Lives Fund, its philanthropy programme, raised a total of $2.4 million in 2007, exceeding its target commitment of $2.3 million. 

 

The $2.4 million is the highest amount raised so far, through various initiatives such as the Singtel Charity Golf, Fold-A-Heart event and Singtel Charity Walk.

 

The Singtel Charity Golf also set a new fund-raising record by achieving $700,000 in donations. Corporate partners put in their bids for a chance to pit their skills against Singtel’s management members like Mr Allen Lew, CEO Singapore, and Mr Lim Chuan Poh, CEO International, at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club.

 

The proceeds raised from  Singtel Touching Lives Fund 2007 go towards the work of the same five charitable organisations as the previous year: APSN Tanglin School, Autism Resource Centre, Fei Yue Community Services, Singapore Children’s Society and Students Care Service.

 

The funds will touch the lives of about 30,000 less privileged children and youths between the ages of 2 and 25, with programmes such as training and special education for the intellectually challenged, school social work and counselling for youth from families facing problems or those with learning difficulties and counselling services through the telephone or Internet.

 

“We are dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth who may be held back by their circumstances or disabilities,” said Ms Chua Sock Koong, Singtel’s Group CEO.   “We are honoured to be able to give back to society and play our part by helping to fund programmes that benefit the less privileged, and hopefully improve their quality of life in the long run.

 

" Singtel Touching Lives Fund has been a tremendous success since we launched it in 2002.   The programme continues to grow from strength to strength through our combined efforts to engage the community.  Thank you for taking this journey with us to help the less fortunate lead happy and meaningful lives.”

 

From this year, Singtel is also giving its staff one day off each year to take part in social or charity work.

 

The  Fund relies on public donations as well as the generosity of staff members.   In addition to online donations via the company’s Intranet, more than 600 Singtel employees, including senior executives, did their part by participating in the Singtel Charity Walk.  Singtel matches all outright donations to the Fund dollar-for-dollar.

 

Since its launch in 2002, the  Singtel Touching Lives Fund has raised a total of $12.7m for 18 charities affiliated to the National Council of Social Service.

 

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About Singtel Touching Lives Fund

 

The  Singtel Touching Lives Fund is Singtel’s annual corporate philanthropy programme to help the less privileged children and young people in Singapore.   It was launched in 2002 to consolidate the Group’s community support activities.  Since its launch, S$12.7 million has been raised for various children charities under the auspices of the National Council of Social Service.  

 

Beneficiaries of Singtel Touching Lives Fund 2007

 

APSN Tanglin School

The school provides special education for children with mild intellectual disability.   Its special education programme provides education and training to equip the children with necessary skills, attitude and personality to lead normal independent lives in adulthood.

 

Autism Resource Centre – WeCan

The WeCan Programme is geared towards preparing young children with autism spectrum disorders for mainstream schools. 

 

Fei Yue Community Services – eGen

eGen uses an integrated blog and e-counselling facility as well as a forum for youths to handle issues such as family problems, boy-girl relationships, suicidal thoughts and difficulties in schools.

 

Singapore  Children’s Society - Tinkle Friend

It offers a national toll-free helpline for primary school students to call when they feel distressed, lonely or afraid and need to talk to someone.   The helpline received more than 4,400 calls in 2005.  Tinkle Friend’s activities also include talks and newsletters to primary schools to promote the helpline number and a Tinkle Friend Camp for character development and constructive use of time.

 

Student Care Services

Its ‘School Social Work’ programme helps students who face difficulties in their developmental process, socio-emotional development or in adjusting to their school life.   Another programme is the ‘Educational Psychological Service’ which focuses on diagnosis and intervention for mainstream school students who have difficulties and special needs.  Student Care Service operates from three service centres in Clementi, Yishun and Hougang.