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Charity Fiesta 2001 raises $42,000
by MERVYN SEK
Twenty-four voluntary welfare organisations were touched by the generosity
of NUS. Among the 24 beneficiaries participating in the fund-raising event
were the Hospice Care Association, the Singapore Association of the Visually
Handicapped, the Students Care Service and the Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals.
Charity Fiesta 2001, with the theme Live Our Vision, was held on 27–29
August 2001. Organised by the NUSSU Volunteer Action Committee (NVAC),
the event was the biggest fund-raising bazaar, carnival, exhibition and
recruitment drive in NUS. It aimed to raise funds through the sale of
handmade handicrafts, stationery and food at stalls set up alongside information
booths manned by the beneficiaries.
Speaking at the official opening, Mrs Tan Chee Koon, executive director
for the National Volunteer Centre, encouraged undergraduates to embrace
the spirit of volunteerism, “There are many people who still need
your care and support, and you can make the difference for them.”
Prior to the event, coupon sales at junior colleges and other tertiary
institutions were organised. A flag day was also held to publicise the
fiesta and raise additional funds for the beneficiaries. “We hope
that more people will start helping those less fortunate than themselves,”
said Goh Kee Lee, project director for Charity Fiesta 2001.
Lunchtime concerts were held during the three-day event. The overwhelming
turn-out was treated to vocal acts by the Hark Music singers from The
Ark Lounge and the NUS Voices, as well as dance performances by the NUS
Synergy dancers and the Retired Seniors Volunteer Programme.
A resounding success, Charity Fiesta 2001 promoted volunteerism in NUS.
It raised the profile of the participating beneficiaries and opened the
hearts of the undergraduates to charity. More than $42,000 was raised
and channelled to the participating beneficiaries adopted by NVAC. This
record achievement was definitely timely to celebrate the International
Year of Volunteers 2001.
 NVAC
wins first prize for students community service
The NUS Students’ Union Volunteer Action Committee (NVAC)
was awarded the first prize for the 18–25-year-old group category
of the students community service awards. Supported by the National
Youth Council and the National Council of Social Services, the award
was instituted by the Rotary Club of Singapore to encourage students
to become conscientious and caring members of the community. A total
of 72 nominations and entries were received by the awards committee
last year.
Its activities include befriending and tutoring the children at
the Boys’ Town, providing care, companionship and assistance
to the lonely, elderly residents under the Lions Befrienders scheme
in Bukit Merah, volunteering at the Institute of Mental Health and
the Moral Welfare Home, assisting in providing individual nursing
and social care, as well as helping out at MINDS Guillemard and
MINDS Yio Chu Kang.
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