2 agencies supporting children with disabilities get $3m from SIA fund-raising drive

SINGAPORE – Two social service agencies that support children and youth with disabilities and developmental needs received a total of $3 million from Singapore Airlines, as part of the national carrier’s SIA Cares fund-raising drive.

On July 19, SIA chief executive Goh Choon Phong presented AWWA and Rainbow Centre with a symbolic cheque at the SIA Cares Open House held at the SIA Training Centre in Upper Changi.

Over three months, SIA’s partners and staff, as well as the public, raised $1.5 million in donations, which SIA matched with another $1.5 million.

As part of SG60 celebrations, the Government will also make a $3 million donation to the Community Chest, matching the amount raised by SIA.

Community Chest – the philanthropic arm of Singapore’s National Council of Social Service – supports children with special needs, children at risk and low-income families, along with other causes.

SIA said on July 19 that AWWA will use the funds to enhance its therapy services, independent living skills training, as well as its free co-curricular activities, to engage students with disabilities, among other efforts, in its special education schools in Hougang and Bedok.

Rainbow Centre will strengthen its special education programme across its Admiral Hill, Margaret Drive and Yishun Park campuses, so that children with autism or multiple disabilities can get a personalised approach to address their needs.

More than 1,600 children and young people are expected to benefit across the two agencies.

AWWA chief executive J.R. Karthikeyan said: “The provision of high-quality services and greater inclusion require the efforts of many helping hands, and we are grateful to Singapore Airlines and its partners for their compassion and spirit of giving.”

Ms Tan Sze Wee, executive director of Rainbow Centre, said that SIA’s contribution will help the agency’s young beneficiaries grow and thrive.

Meanwhile, Community Chest will use the funds to address underserved social needs, including support for children with special needs, at-risk youth, adults with disabilities, people with mental health conditions and seniors and families needing assistance.

SIA’s Mr Goh said the airline’s efforts to raise funds reflects its commitment to Singapore’s social service agencies.

“The funds will enhance programmes at AWWA and Rainbow Centre, empowering young people with vital life skills and opportunities for greater independence and inclusion. Additionally, it will support Community Chest’s broader initiatives benefitting society at large,” he added.

More than 650 Singapore-based SIA staff volunteered to organise and run the open house for nearly 900 beneficiaries and caregivers from 33 social service agencies over the July 19 weekend.

Visitors went on guided tours of SIA’s training facilities, learnt how flight training simulators work and explored an SG60 and SIA heritage showcase which featured a digital interactive installation on Singapore’s nation building journey.

They also had the opportunity to talk to SIA cabin crew, pilots and engineers.

For lunch, visitors enjoyed a selection of SIA in-flight meals, including SIA’s signature satay and nasi goreng.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, who was guest of honour at the event, said that SIA, as Singapore’s national icon, is well-placed to connect communities and help those in need.

“As we celebrate SG60 as a nation, we must remember that every Singaporean counts. We must continue to build a nation where every individual has a meaningful stake in society, and where we are invested in one another as well as in our shared future,” he added.

Muhammad Ziqri Muhammad Abidin, 10, who has autism spectrum disorder and is a student at AWWA’s special education school in Bedok, said his favourite part of the open house was getting to sit in the mock-up business class seat, as he has never been on a plane before.

His mother, Ms Nur Aliza Kamsan, 38, said the open house was a rare and meaningful opportunity.

“For children like Ziqri, it’s not every day they get to see aviation facilities up close. Experiences like this make a big difference, giving them joy and memories they can cherish,” she added.