FROM air rifle shooting to a simple chill out with ice cream, charity fund-raisers have been dreaming up fun, unusual ways to help the less fortunate.

Two schools and a bank have found creative methods of collecting money for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.

Victoria Junior College's air rifle club held a charity shoot-out and raised $650 for the fund, which helps needy children with their school-related expenses.

The purpose was to 'do something meaningful for the less privileged', said teacher Lee Keow Lian.

About 100 students and staff members took part in the event in July and were instructed by club members. The money was raised through entry fees.

Ngee Ann Secondary School hit upon a cool way to celebrate Teachers' Day: Eating ice cream. Its Chill Out Day on Sept 1 raised $3,373 for the fund. Students, staff, alumni and parents gave donations in exchange for cups of Ben & Jerry's, which had been bought by the school.

Said Madam Lee Chai Noi, who chairs its partnership and outreach committee: 'We want to raise awareness among students that even when they are enjoying themselves, there are students who do not have money for bus fares and recess. The school wants to play a part in helping students play their part for the community.'

Ngee Ann Secondary also raised $2,714 for the fund through its Honour A Teacher project, held for the fourth year running. Students made donations in return for a laminated certificate produced by the school, which they could present to a teacher of their choice.

On the corporate front, OCBC Bank staff whipped up desserts in a charity cooking class on Aug 29, raising $2,000 through donations.

They were shown traditional recipes by Ms Jane Lai, the bank's vice-president of learning and development in the group human resources division.