Pupils from the Catholic of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) (Kellock), putting together goodie bags containing stationery and a personalised note for underprivileged children attending this year's charity event 'Children for Children' in aid for ChildAid. -- PHOTO: BT

IN a world of economic upheaval, it's always heartening to find a helping hand when you need one.

And the fund-raising efforts for the community event Children for Children, in aid of ChildAid, have already surpassed the $205,000 raised last year.

The Business Times, CHIJ (Kellock) and The Arts House are again joining hands to organise Children for Children, which aims to bring together 250 CHIJ (Kellock) students with 1,000 underprivileged children for an activity-filled afternoon at the Singapore Zoo.

"We started the fund-raising for this initiative in the middle of August and I am pleased to report we have raised $210,000 so far," said BT editor Alvin Tay.

Donations, which are still rolling in from corporations and individuals, have ranged from $200 to as much as $20,000.

Three-quarters of the proceeds - minus the costs of organising the event - will be channelled to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and the balance to The Business Times Budding Artists Fund.

Children for Children takes place on Sept 30, which is the day before Children's Day. BT also turns 33 on Oct 1 and Children for Children is part of its anniversary celebrations.

The response so far has been encouraging, said Arts House general manager Colin Goh. Six hundred needy children have already signed up for the programme, and he hopes to reach out to more.

This year's event, dubbed "Into the Wild", will be a lesson in creativity - each participant will receive a disposable camera to document their zoo journey, as well as a goodie bag packed by CHIJ (Kellock) pupils and staff.

"We hope to provide each child with an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective," CHIJ (Kellock) principal Clara Lim-Tan said of the camera.

"Into the Wild" will end on a high note with a concert based on an original production by the CHIJ (Kellock) pupils.

Eleven-year-old Tricia Merican, who was a part of last year's inaugural event at the Singapore Flyer, will again be one of the pupils participating in this year's Children for Children.

Last year's experience clearly left its mark on her.

"We learned not to take things for granted," she said, adding that it was a joy to perform for others.

The programme is open to all children under the Ministry of Education's Financial Assistance Scheme.