SINGAPORE - The People's Association (PA) pledged $250,000 to this year's President's Challenge at the launch of fundraising activities on Tuesday (May 17).

The amount will be raised by grassroots organisations through events, donation drives and pledge cards throughout the year, and will benefit 86 beneficiary organisations s chosen by the President's Office.

This year's beneficiaries incude St John's Home for Elderly Persons, Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, and Rainbow Centre, which serves children with special needs.

At the event at PA headquarters in Jalan Besar, President Tony Tan Keng Yam joined PA staff and some 50 children from Rainbow Centre in activities such as balloon sculpting, clay art and brick art.

For every $10 donated to the President's Challenge this year, $2 will be channelled to the the Silver Volunteer Fund, which supports senior volunteerism. The Government will match dollar-for-dollar donations up to $20 million to the fund, which was announced by Dr Tan last year.