Charity lauded for its inclusiveness

The Sree Narayana Mission's inclusiveness in helping the needy, regardless of race and religion, is an important ethos which Singapore should continue to uphold, said Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam last night.

Speaking at a fund-raising dinner for the charity's new building, he praised the mission's "ethos of open-mindedness whilst being rooted in whichever community you come from".

"Let's carry on with this open and inclusive path to helping people in our society - never parochial, never close-minded, but always looking out for everyone in need, regardless of race and religion."

The dinner, at which Mr Tharman was guest of honour, was part of the charity's efforts to raise $10 million for a new building, the Sree Narayana Mission Care Centre.

The charity currently runs a Home for the Aged Sick in Yishun, the Meranti Home @ Pelangi Village for the destitute, and two multi-service centres.

Its new building will feature a free traditional Chinese medicine clinic with physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, a seniors' activity corner, and a caregiver resource centre. But besides such new facilities, the new building aims to offer integrated services for families of the aged residents, from bursaries and mentoring for youth at risk, to family counselling and referral services.

Before last night's dinner, about $1.8 million had been raised for the new building. During the dinner, a silent auction of five Golden Jubilee platters donated by Landex (Singapore) and Luzerne, further raised $50,050. Donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the National Council of Social Services, up to a maximum of $2 million. The Mission will hold a Flag Day on Dec 16 to continue raising funds.

Janice Heng


An earlier version of the story stated an incorrect amount collected at the silent auction. We are sorry for the error.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 12, 2015, with the headline Charity lauded for its inclusiveness. Subscribe