The Singapore Children’s Society has marked its 70th anniversary with a series of events that has culminated with the non-profit’s first charity gala held since the pandemic. Attended by 320 guests, including Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, the successful fundraiser on Nov 22 raised a record $1.2 million through table sales, donations and live and silent auctions.
“70 years is a monumental milestone for the Society and I am grateful for the trust our beneficiaries have placed in us to allow us to journey with them over the years. It would not have been possible without the dedication and resilience of our past and present staff members, volunteers, donors and other supporters,” said Singapore Children’s Society CEO Ang Boon Min of the milestone.
In addition to performances by beneficiaries, the occasion also marked the unveiling of By Your Side: 70 Years of Journeying Together, a commemorative book that details the non-profit’s journey through the years. The first copy was presented to DPM Heng.
Established in 1952, the Singapore Children’s Society was originally formed by a group of expatriates and citizens to help malnourished, poor, abused and neglected children. Over the years, it has evolved alongside the changing needs of Singapore’s youth, offering a wide range of programmes across more than 10 service centres to meet diverse needs.
The society also operates Sunbeam Place @ Children’s Society, a residential home and gazetted place of safety for children who have been abused or neglected, and are in need of protection, or for those whose parents are unable to provide proper care. Its residents are aged between two and 21.
Beyond government funding towards specific programmes, the society is largely self-funded through donations.