DESPITE the economic downturn and difficulty raising money to cover its operational costs, the annual year-end Boys' Brigade Sharity Gift Box will continue.
The project has managed to raise $123,000 - or slightly over half - of its $211,000 operating cost. This is in contrast to the same time last year when it had fully raised the needed funds for warehousing, transport and administrative support.
Still, it is pushing to fulfill the wishes of 28,189 beneficiaries, who are identified through the Public Assistance scheme under the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, as well as by 171 voluntary welfare organisations.
The wishes fall under two categories: 'specific wishes' which are requests for specific items, and 'general wishes' which are for common household items and non-perishables.
Calling its 21st year a 'coming-of-age', chairman of the project's organising committee for 2008, Mr Lui Chong Chee, said at a press conference on Tuesday that changes include introducing :
a 'special needs' category for specific wishes for those who are disadvantaged but do not fall under the categories of 'children' or 'elderly'.
four official ambasadors for the project to reach out to the public.
To make up for the $88,000 shortfall, the Boys' Brigade Singapore is prepared to dip into its reserved funds as a last resort.
But it is calling for corporations to come forward to make direct donations, such as providing meals for the boys and volunteers working on the project, to close the gap.
From Nov 28 to Dec 19, members of the public can drop off their contributions at 14 gift boxes islandwide. Those who want to fulfill specific wishes can also adopt a wish from seven wish tree locations.
For the locations and more information, the public can call the hotline on 1800 742 7489 (1800-sharity) or visit www.bbsgb.org.sg
