SingHealth raises $1.3 million for President’s Challenge 2023

SINGAPORE – SingHealth has raised $1.3 million for President’s Challenge 2023, concluding its fund-raising effort in a ceremony on Saturday.

The amount was announced at the event held at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam as guest of honour.

SingHealth’s Caring Hands, Compassionate Hearts campaign, led by SNEC, marked the 19th year that Singapore’s largest public healthcare cluster has supported the cause.

More than 32,000 staff, including doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare administrators, took part in fund-raising drives and outreach programmes, including outings for clients of the beneficiary agencies.

The President’s Challenge is a national movement led by the president to rally Singaporeans to build a caring and cohesive society by raising funds as well as galvanising support for disadvantaged communities through volunteering and inclusive employment.

The movement, which started in 2000, supports various social services initiatives involving children, youth and family, eldercare, healthcare, mental health, disability, sports, arts, education and rehabilitation.

Professor Ivy Ng, group chief executive of SingHealth, said on Saturday that she was heartened to see all her staff “coming together as one family to pool their energy and time together for a greater cause, to care for those in need in our community”.

Professor Jodhbir Mehta, SNEC’s deputy chief executive (research) and the chairman for this year’s SingHealth President’s Challenge steering committee, thanked corporate partners from diverse sectors for their contributions.

He said none of the partners sought recognition or promotional benefits in return.

“All graciously gave us time to share more and all gave with their heart. We are deeply honoured and touched by all the support and generosity,” he added.

Proceeds will go to five adopted beneficiary agencies of the President’s Challenge – Caregivers Alliance Limited, Club Heal, HCA Hospice, SingHealth Fund (National Neuroscience Institute Fund), and the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH).

Mr Leong Shin Loong, honorary secretary of SAVH, said part of the funds will be used to purchase new equipment and communication software, to enhance skill development for the visually impaired.

SAVH currently aids about 4,000 registered clients, with 60 per cent of the beneficiaries aged above 60. The association receives about 10 new clients a month.