Even in the toughest of times, our donors and volunteers have generously given time, resources, and efforts to help our children- and families-in-need. Volunteers Kelvin and Karen Gan stepped in when one of our beneficiaries, Tom*, was discharged from Sunbeam Place @ Children’s Society (SBP) but did not have a suitable home to return to. He was reunited with his mother after close to nine years, but his late father’s flat was in bad shape. The Gans and their friends sought out sponsors so the flat could be given a complete makeover, from design and furniture, to piping and electricity. 

We got a chance to thank them at our annual Singapore Children’s Society Awards Presentation 2022, held on 28 May, when the couple was presented the Commendation Service Award. This award is given to individuals, groups or organisations whose volunteer work had a significant contribution to the well-being of our beneficiaries, or the outcomes of our services or programmes.

The Gans were among 60 volunteers and donors honoured at the ceremony, which was held at the Stephen Riady Auditorium @ NTUC. President Halimah Yacob, who was the Guest of Honour for the event, jointly presented the awards with Singapore Children’s Society Chairman Mr Koh Choon Hui. 

The other Commendation Service Award recipient was Amazon Singapore, which refurbished the indoor facilities of Sunbeam Place, and gave it a technological uplift. As part of Amazon’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education outreach program, the centre’s IT network and wireless access points were upgraded, and its hall and lab renovated by Amazon’s staff volunteers. A sound system and portable stage were also installed. Amazon Singapore donated workstations, laptops, and headsets to complete our residents’ digital experience. 

The Gopal Haridas Award, awarded to individuals, groups or organisations that raised a significant amount of funds or made donations to Singapore Children’s Society in the preceding year, was presented to the Estate of William Tung Wai Yoon and Tote Board. 

Mr John Le Tissier from Amazon Singapore (left) and Mrs Karen Gan (right) on stage with President Halimah Yacob and our Chairman Mr Koh Choon Hui 

Other awards presented during the ceremony included the Platinum Service Award, Gold Award, Gold Service Award, Silver Award, and Silver Service Award, based on the duration of volunteer service, and amount raised or donated.

Congratulations to all award winners, and thank you to all our supporters and donors for making a difference to the lives of children, youth and families in need.

*Name has been changed to protect the beneficiary’s identity

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