We’ve seen plenty of generosity, warmth and hope going around amid the difficulties of the prolonged pandemic situation.
From Christmas gifts and care packs for less privileged children and families, to funds raised through an island wide virtual swim marathon, more than $310,000 worth of donations will be going to those who need it.
Kicking off the distribution of gifts to the children was Senior Minister of State for Defence and President of SAFRA Mr Zaqy Mohamad, who also presented the cheque of the proceeds to the beneficiaries of the charity swim on Saturday, 11 December 2021.
“Swim For Hope as well as Let’s Gift For A Reason are among our SAFRA initiatives to build an inclusive society, to bring our NSmen and their families back to help the less fortunate here in Singapore,” Mr Zaqy said at the event.
“Given the festive season, I think it’s a wonderful effort, judging from the response that we’ve gotten.”
Keep reading for a little extra Christmas cheer!
Let’s Gift For A Reason
This festive season, more than 540 presents were specially gifted to children whose families otherwise might not have been able to afford, as well as caregivers of persons with disabilities.
All thanks to generous NSmen, their families and members of the public.
Through the Adopt A Gift initiative, they picked out wishes of children from low-income families and caregivers of persons with disabilities (to appreciate them for their selfless work), and bought and wrapped the gifts for them.
It’s part of Let’s Gift For A Reason (14 November – 15 December 2021) organised by SAFRA Toa Payoh, SAFRA Community Services Club and SG Cares.
In addition, over 3,000 low-income families also received more than $60,000 worth of care packs full of basic necessities in the Adopt A Bag initiative.
Liberty SAFRA Swim for Hope 2021
A record of over 4,400 swimmers made the splash for charity in the virtual swim marathon, Liberty SAFRA Swim for Hope (30 October – 11 December 2021).
A shoutout to the inspiring swimmers who lent their voice to the charity swim, like Paralympian Sophie Soon, Chantal Liew, national open water swimmer, and former national swimmer Mark Chay!
Thousands of swimmers joined in for the 1km, 10km, 20km and 55km categories. Big thanks to the Republic of Singapore Navy’s servicemen from Navy Headquarters, Fleet, Maritime Security Task Force, Maritime Training & Doctrine Command, Naval Logistics Command and the Naval Diving Unit!
There were opportunities for family bonding too-, with more than 190 NSmen and their children entering the Families for Life Parent-and-Child category.
Along with individual and corporate donations, Liberty SAFRA Swim for Hope 2021 raised $257,892.43 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), Singapore Swimming Association’s Development Fund and the SAF Care Fund.
Looking ahead to 2022
And there’s more to come! Think activities like bowling, running and e-sports, all done for charity. With SAFRA celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, you’ll want to stay in the know of the slew of charity activities coming in SAFRA Cares.
Through these, Mr Zaqy said SAFRA hopes to help even more people in need.
“We hope that we can garner more community involvement and support more beneficiaries through these efforts, and really build an inclusive and cohesive society.”
Stay tuned to nsmen.safra.sg for updates on more opportunities to have fun and do good at the same time!
