Diplomats raise $70k for two charities

More than half of the diplomatic missions here were involved in the SG50 DipCharity Bazaar at the Shangri-La Hotel in October last year. It attracted more than 2,000 visitors.
More than half of the diplomatic missions here were involved in the SG50 DipCharity Bazaar at the Shangri-La Hotel in October last year. It attracted more than 2,000 visitors. ST PHOTO: WONGKWAI CHOW

Diplomats from over 40 country missions in Singapore came together to sell items ranging from German pretzels to Colombian coffee to raise funds for two charities in celebration of Singapore's Golden Jubilee.

Together, the SG50 DipCharity Bazaar at the Shangri-La Hotel in October last year raised a total of $70,000.

A cheque-presentation ceremony was held at the Indonesian Embassy yesterday to present the money to the charities.

The two children's charities, the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) and the Singapore Children's Society, will each receive $35,000.

The event was attended by Brazilian Ambassador to Singapore Luis Fernando de Andrade Serra and Indonesian Ambassador Andri Hadi.

Ambassadors from some of the other participating nations were also present.

Ms Tan Bee Heong, general manager of STSPMF, received the cheque on the charity's behalf.

She said: "It was a feat to be able to garner support from more than 40 countries for this meaningful fund-raising bazaar within a short period of time.

"A very creative fund-raising idea indeed and we hope it will be an annual affair in support of needy children."

It was the first time the diplomatic and consular corps organised such a large-scale event.

More than half of the diplomatic missions here were involved and it attracted more than 2,000 visitors.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 16, 2016, with the headline Diplomats raise $70k for two charities. Subscribe