On top of accepting monetary donations, the Community Chest today is about building connections for a caring and inclusive Singapore, says its MD Ng Ling Ling
MENTION THE COMMUNITY CHEST (ComChest) and one of the most common misconceptions is it is government-related and therefore should not need to solicit for donations.
So shares Ng Ling Ling, ComChest’s Managing Director, who is also Assistant CEO of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). The reality, she points out, is the converse.
“ComChest started as a community project [in 1983] by our founder Dr Ee Peng Liang, an accountant and active community leader. He thought of the idea of economies of scale to centralise fundraising for social service organisations so that they can focus on serving the disadvantaged,” says Ng. The amount of donations has grown and being part of NCSS provides ComChest a strong governance structure for public accountability.
The mission of ComChest has remained till today, with over 4,000 corporate and 200,000 individual donors supporting its efforts. Collectively, ComChest helps about 80 charities to support different disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.
What has changed though, is the way people are giving. While it used to be just about donating money, Ng observes that today, it is about adding value and impact to the lives of those being helped by enabling and engaging donors in the process of caring and sharing.
“We felt that if we facilitated the experience and understanding of the disadvantaged well, especially through giving of time, hearts would open and giving would be a natural consequence,” she explains.
Denne historien er fra March 2018-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2018-utgaven av Prestige Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sailing Into A Dream
Scenes from the fantasy feature Game of Thrones come to life in the otherworldly landscapes of the Arctic Circle.
Here Come The Sun Seats
Italian furniture has long held the crown for blending luxurious, sophisticated design with impeccable craftsmanship.
ABSOLUMENT FAB
France's premier fair for fine-art and antiques returns for its third edition inside its new home in the Grand Palais.
Through the Director's Lens
Filmmaker JIA ZHANGKE and his protégé RAFAEL MANUEL share their perspectives on life, cinema and their current projects.
THE CUTTING EDGE
Having long played quiet supporting roles in the gem industry, gem cutters are finally having their day in the sun. Four acclaimed independent master gem cutters share more about their love of the craft and the creation of their best pieces.
Spheres of Power
Following up on the gold- and titanium-focused Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams launch collection, the superstar now turns to pearls for a softer, but no less striking, second act.
Horological Masterpieces Reimagined
Beyond the wrist, these timekeepers transcend all traditional boundaries.
WILD IMAGINATION
Cartier's latest category-spanning Panthère de Cartier novelties showcase the endless ways in which the panther continues to inspire.
READY FOR ACTION
The latest watch to come from the celebrated Richard Mille and McLaren partnership looks set to be another trailblazing timepiece.
THE RIGHT ANGLES
Twenty-five years after the launch of its last new collection, Twenty-4, Patek Philippe introduces the Cubitus range.