OCBC staff will be performing at various divisions within the bank. After each performance, they will get a hongbao from the staff for the ST School Pocket Money Fund. -- ST PHOTO: SEOW KAI LUN

Members of the bank's human resource division will be performing a lion dance at various divisions within the bank on Tuesday.

After each performance, they will get a hongbao containing contributions from the staff.

All the money collected will be donated to the pocket money fund.

Needy students under the fund receive money every month to buy books and stationery, pay for bus fares and purchase food at school.

'With the rising costs of living amid the current global economic crisis, children from lower-income families will be one of the affected parties,' said Ms Jacinta Low, head of human resource planning and employee communications.

'We want to play a part to improve the lives of these children. Donating to the ST School Pocket Money Fund is our way of making it possible for school- going children to receive pocket money to continue to attend school and receive a proper education.'

Members of OCBC's human resource division have had three training sessions to learn how to perform the lion dance.

'Even though it is tiring, it is very meaningful,' said Mr Rickson Pang, 35, a human resource vice-president who will be the lion's 'head'. 'Our efforts will help those who are in need.'

OCBC Bank also organised a charity cafe last month to raise money for the fund.

The cafe, held at the OCBC Centre, sold jewellery, bags and home-cooked food, collecting $30,000 for the fund.

'It was heartening to see all the different staff at OCBC come together to support a worthy cause,' said Ms Charlene Chua, 29, a human resource manager and organiser of the charity cafe.

'Colleagues even came all the way from Tampines to support the cafe.'

Those wishing to make a donation by cheque can make it out to 'School Pocket Money Fund' and send it to Singapore Press Holdings at 1000 Toa Payoh North, Singapore 318994.