The Lucky Dippers, including Straits Times editor Han Fook Kwang (front row, fourth from right), with their cheque for $108,000. The funds raised were presented to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund after the group's dinner gathering on Wednesday. -- ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG

THEY are a 48-strong group of golfing kakis who enjoy their weekend rounds and the friendships that have blossomed over the years. Once a month, they get slightly more serious and hold a friendly competition called The Lucky Dip.

On Wednesday, the Lucky Dippers ended the year on a high, with a round at Tanah Merah Country Club and a cheque for $108,000 presented to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

At dinner after the game, the cheques flowed freely and were handed to Straits Times editor Han Fook Kwang, who started playing with the group early last year.

'We were touched by what Mr Han told us - more than 11,000 children in need of help, many going to school without any pocket money, and how some even had only tap water to drink during recess,' said Mr Chan Chong Beng, chairman of interior furnishing company Goodrich Global, and one of the key organisers of the fund-raising initiative.

The initial target was $30,000 but in less than two days, the contributions snowballed to about $120,000 as more contributions rolled in. 'There's a wonderful spirit of generosity in this group... I'm overwhelmed by the speed at which the amount was raised,' said Mr Han.

'Many of us are grateful that the year has turned out better than expected and we want to do our bit to help the less fortunate,' said Mr Richard Loo, owner of the Coca steamboat restaurant chain.

Other contributors included Dr Lin Yucheng, chairman and chief executive officer of water treatment company United Envirotech, who donated $20,000; Mr Zhong Sheng Jian, chairman and CEO of real estate developer Yanlord Land Group; as well as Mr Elvin Tan and Dr Ge Hailin, who each contributed $10,000.

Started in 2000, the fund provides financial assistance to needy students. It hopes to raise $5.7 million in its current drive for the 12,500 children on its scheme. So far, it is about $2 million short of its target.