The Straits Times Causes Week is back for a second run this year.
Over the course of this week, the paper will spotlight various individuals and groups, and the causes they are passionate about.
Celebrating the completion of the Antarctic Ice Marathon and the realisation of Yvonne Chee’s dream to run a marathon on each of the 7 continent in honour of her late-grandmother while raising funds for the elderly who are assisted by the Tsao Foundation. Chee is one of the individuals highlighted in the Straits Times Causes Week. PHOTO: MIKE KING
The stories include a “social circus” troupe which reaches out to at-risk youth by teaching them stunts such as fire-twirling; two friends who got together to plan activities and outings for children from less well-to-do families; and a group of baking enthusiasts who will be whipping up sweet treats to raise funds for a non-profit body that helps injured and disabled dogs.
By spotlighting these efforts, the paper hopes others will be inspired to contribute, especially during the year-end season of giving.
Straits Times editor Warren Fernandez said: “Many readers told us they appreciated our first Causes Week last year and urged us to do it again.
“We decided to do so, and showcase the good work of many committed people and organisations who are stepping up to help others in the community. They deserve our support.”
More than 110 individuals and groups responded to The Straits Times’ call for submissions last month- up from about 80 entries which came in last year.
The submissions spanned a variety of causes, from helping migrant workers to promoting skill-based volunteerism, reflecting the diversity of issues that people care about.
A group of volunteers, for instance, hopes to brighten up the day for some migrant workers by organising outings to different parts of Singapore. Most of these workers have lost their jobs because of salary disputes or workplace injuries.
Said Mr Terence Kek, 41, who is part of this group: “We found it difficult to get sponsorship, and we wanted to build more awareness.
“We see this as an opportunity to change people’s perception of migrant workers.”
Visit the ST Causes Week page for more information.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Dec 8, 2013. For similar stories, go to sph.straitstimes.com/premium/singapore. You will not be able to access the Premium section of The Straits Times website unless you are already a subscriber.
