LONG-TIME supporters of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund continue to give generously, inspired by its mission to help children from low- income families with their education- related expenses.

They include Premier Financial Planner Branch, which raised money for the fund at its Seventh Month dinner, the third time it has done this.

The agency, which sells products on behalf of Manulife Singapore, collected $80,000 through an auction and donations at the annual event in August.

Mr Jeffrey Chow, its senior director of financial services, said the agency believes education is the key to pulling out of poverty.

The 33-year-old, who personally contributed $49,000, said: 'I came from a poor family.

'I know what it's like to go to school without pocket money.'

Steel company Super Galvanising is another supporter. It has been giving $100,000 a year to the fund since 2007.

This year, it kept up the tradition by giving $30,000 in July and another $70,000 this month.

The fund, which is now in its 11th year, gives needy primary school children $55 a month, while those in secondary school receive $90.

The money helps them pay for a meal at recess, transport fees to and from school, and stationery.

ANG YIYING