Joseph Schooling launches Watsons Dream Tree initiative, Watsons donates $5,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation

Remote video URL

SINGAPORE - Olympic champion Joseph Schooling marked his first public appearance with a charity event at Ngee Ann City on Saturday (Nov 19), where he launched the Watsons Dream Tree initiative with five children beneficiaries of Make-A-Wish Foundation Singapore.

The 21-year-old arrived to screams from the 100-strong crowd as he spoke about the importance of giving back to society.

The initiative aims to encourage people to step forward and pen their wishes on tree props set up outside selected Watsons stores.

Watsons also donated $5,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation Singapore as part of the launch.

Back in Singapore till next Friday (Nov 25), Schooling said: "Society has given me a lot so it's really important to give back. Children are the future of the country so if there's one group of people to support they are the ones."

One of the children, Raphael Lim, said: "I am very happy to be able to meet Joseph Schooling today. His victory and accomplishments have greatly inspired me to pursue my own hopes and dreams."

The trees, called Watson Dream Trees, can be found at selected stores from today (Nov 19).

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.