ST to spotlight charities and causes in Dec

THE Straits Times is launching its first Causes Week next month.

From Dec 10 to Dec 16, the paper will commit space to stories about charities and causes in its Home section.

We will also feature people and organisations raising funds for them, or organising interesting activities to further their cause.

In the process, we hope others will be inspired to contribute to these charities and causes, especially during the year-end season of giving. Straits Times editor Warren Fernandez said he hoped this effort would help the many groups which are doing good work in the community to get the support - financial or otherwise - they deserve.

"The Straits Times is part of the Singapore community and we want to do our part by highlighting those in need, as well as those who are working to help those in need," he said yesterday.

While the newspaper regularly features causes and charities, Causes Week will showcase them in a more targeted manner.

If you are helming a charity, or have a cause you would like featured, please e-mail stcauses2012@sph.com.sg by Nov25, and we will get back to you.

In 2000, this newspaper launched The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund that provides pocket money to children from low-income families to help them through school. In its first 10 years, it has helped more than 85,000 cases. In October 2010, the fund was officially established as a Trust and in November last year, it was granted charity status, with Institution of a Public Character status effective from Jan1 this year.

Said Mr Fernandez: "For many of us, the end of the year is a time for a bit of reflection, where we think of others and how we can help make things better in the year ahead."

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