COMPANIES are giving a hand to underprivileged children through donations or sales of products.

OCBC Securities is donating $20,000 to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which gives financial aid to children from low-income families to help with school-related expenses.

The donation will be made as a gesture of appreciation to investment guru Michael Yoshikami, for agreeing to speak at two of OCBC Securities' events this year. The cheque will be presented to the School Pocket Money Fund next Saturday, at a forum where he will speak.

OCBC Securities managing director Hui Yew Ping said the fund was chosen as its work was in line with the company's corporate social responsibility focus on helping the young.

Separately, Tipex - which makes Beautex tissues - is launching special edition tissue boxes today, featuring designs from an art contest co-organised with Little Red Dot, The Straits Times' publication for primary school pupils, with 20 cents from every pack sold going to the School Pocket Money Fund.

Next Saturday, members of the public can have their caricatures drawn by Straits Times artists or photos taken by its photographers, for a $15 donation to the fund. The event, from 11am to 2pm at Suntec Galleria Foyer, includes the sale of School Pocket Money Fund coinbanks and miniature bears.

ANG YI YING