News

Aleta Planet Foundation: Supporting children and elderly in the fight against COVID-19

News

Home Resources News Aleta Planet Foundation: Supporting children and elderly in the fight against COVID-19

News

Aleta Planet Foundation: Supporting children and elderly in the fight against COVID-19

John Doe

To help bolster the combined efforts in combating the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic within our community, fast growing fintech company Aleta Planet has donated $100,000 to the Mediacorp Enable Fund, a community fund administered by SG Enable.

The proceeds are part of an initial larger commitment of $200,000, and will go towards supporting the elderly who have to work despite their frailties and children with disabilities, as well as those from low income families.

The CDA top-up programme: Giving support to pre-school children from low-income families

A call for collaborative giving: Join hands to make a difference and contribute towards a common cause.

A Call for Collaborative Giving: Bridging the Divide for Persons with Disabilities

Business Times: Preserving a century-old legacy of giving

The sum will be donated via the Aleta Planet Foundation, a donor advised fund established in partnership with the Community Foundation of Singapore (CFS). The Aleta Planet Foundation will work with CFS to identify existing needs for the elderly and disabled children, find suitable charity partners to work with and to manage the funds received.

“We are deeply grateful to Aleta Planet Foundation for their strong spirit of charity and choosing the Mediacorp Enable Fund to make their first donation. The generous contribution will provide much needed financial assistance in meeting the last mile needs of persons with disabilities, as well as to help them fulfil their aspirations in life,” says Mr Ku Geok Boon, CEO of SG Enable.

Set up in Singapore just six years ago, the Aleta Foundation specialises in payment solutions to and from China, and plans to increase their contributions to the community in the future as part of their sustainable corporate giving culture.

“As Aleta Planet has reached a level of growth, we feel that it is now fitting for us to give back to the community in which we operate,” said Mr Ryan Gwee, Chairman and Group CEO of Aleta Planet. “This is especially timely amid a pandemic and recession that have created considerable hardship for the most vulnerable groups living on the fringes of our society.”

The donation seeks to also support the elderly who have been abandoned by their families, and will focus on children from low-income families to help them realise their fullest potential in life.

“We look forward to closer collaboration with the Aleta Planet Foundation to identify gaps in the community so as to foster more effective giving and amplify the positive impact they have on our society,” says Catherine Loh, CEO of CFS.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor

John Doe

The competition was organised by City Harvest Community Services Association and received support from FUN! Fund, a Community Impact Fund jointly established by the Community Foundation of Singapore and the Agency for Integrated Care, with the aim of addressing social isolation among the elderly.

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of National Development Mr Tan Kiat How attended the event. He encouraged the elderly to stay physically and mentally well, as well as urging them to participate in community activities and enjoy their golden years together.

Learn more about FUN! Fund at https://www.cf.org.sg/fun-fund/.

The programme provides the children with a non-threatening platform to connect with peers and have positive conversations. In addition, it exposes them to different people who can assist to broaden their perspectives.
L.S., a volunteer with the Reading Odyssey programme @ Spooner Road

中心“常胜将军”胡锦盛：比赛限时反应要快

现年92岁的胡锦盛是最年长的参赛者。自2017年退休后，他几乎每天都到活跃乐龄中心报到，从此爱上了玩拉密，每次可玩上三个小时，在中心是“常胜将军”。

Related Topics For You: AGEING WELL, CAREGIVER SUPPORT, CHARITY STORIES, CHILDREN, DONOR STORIES, DONOR-ADVISED FUND, NEWS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS, STORIES OF IMPACT

admin bluecube

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book.

Events

Ensuring A Brighter Future for Vulnerable Families and Children

November 20, 2024

Imagine being released from prison after a decade, returning home to children who barely know you. How do you begin to rebuild your life and relationships with your family?

CFS CEO Ms Catherine Loh (center) with Ms Saleemah Ismail, Founder and Executive Director of New Life Stories (left), and Ms Lin Shiyun, Founder and Executive Director of 3Pumpkins (right)

Imagine being released from prison after a decade, returning home to children who barely know you. How do you begin to rebuild your life and relationships with your family?

Imagine being a child who does not have good relationships at home or in school, having little trust and confidence in the people around you. How do you find a sense of belonging and begin to develop your self-identity?

Our recent Donor Learning Trip highlighted charities addressing these questions.

The Community Foundation of Singapore wins Charity Transparency Award for the Fourth Time

Celebrating 15 Years of Impact: CFS Annual Report 2024

Secure And Impactful Philanthropy: CFS Clinches Cyber Essentials Mark

Empowering Families, Building Futures

While Singapore has done well in sustaining social mobility compared to other advanced economies, we do face challenges such as an ageing society and slowing economy (Ministry of Social and Family Development, 2022). Without targeted interventions, vulnerable families may struggle to overcome barriers to upward mobility. Addressing these challenges requires sustained efforts and innovative programmes that support families holistically, focusing on both immediate needs and long-term development.

During the event, donors learnt about three programmes that seek to improve the well-being of lower-income families and their children: Tak Takut Kids Club by 3Pumpkins provides a safe hangout for vulnerable children in public rental estates. The Family Strengthening Programme by New Life Stories helps incarcerated parents reconnect with their children, while the ComLink+ Progress Package on Debt Clearance supports families in managing their debt. These are just a few of the many programmes under the Collective for a Stronger Society, a five-year long effort which seeks to provide wraparound support for Singapore’s most vulnerable families.

Building Socio-Emotional Resilience in Vulnerable Children: Tak Takut Kids Club (TTKC) by 3Pumpkins

Ms Lin Shiyun, Founder and Executive Director of 3Pumpkins, started TTKC as a social experiment after three years of interacting with vulnerable children. She saw the need for a safe community space for them to learn and grow.

Located at Boon Lay Drive, Tak Takut Kids Club (TTKC) is a lively community space that supports the socio-emotional growth of children in rental flats. “Tak Takut,” meaning “don’t be afraid” in Malay, reflects the club’s mission to provide a secure, nurturing environment where children engage in art, cooking, gardening, sports, and free play. TTKC has become a second home for these children, fostering trust and community and encouraging them to connect with others.

Ms. Lin Shiyun, Founder and Executive Director of 3Pumpkins, explained, “TTKC is not just a drop-in center; it is a place where children feel safe and supported. Our goal is to establish a child-centric social support system that empowers each child to reach their full potential.” She added that it is akin to joining a ‘good gang’ for these children and youth who seek acceptance and a sense of belonging.

Watch this video to find out more about TTKC:

2. Wraparound Support for Incarcerated Parents and Their Children: The Family Strengthening Programme by New Life Stories

Ms. Saleemah Ismail, Founder and Executive Director of New Life Stories, highlighted that 21% of children with incarcerated parents end up in prison as adults, stressing the need for early family intervention.

The Family Strengthening Programme by New Life Stories offers comprehensive support to children and their incarcerated parents, focusing on Befriending, Incare, and Family Care. This programme allows parents to connect with their children through stories and messages, creating a foundation for rebuilding relationships. “Our mission is to break cycles of intergenerational social disadvantage by supporting families impacted by incarceration to rebuild their lives and strengthen family bonds. For example, our befriending weekly programme has contributed to an 81% improvement in literacy levels and 72% in self-confidence with the children that we work with,” Ms Saleemah said.

Watch how the Family Strengthening Programme transformed a mother’s life and helped her to reconnect her with her children:

3. Easing Financial Stress for Lower-Income Families: The ComLink+ Progress Package on Debt Clearance by MSF

The donor learning trip highlighted the essential support that lower-income families need to gain stability and enhance their quality of life

The ComLink+ Progress Package on Debt Clearance assists lower-income families with children in public rental flats by providing crucial debt relief. According to a study by the Social Service Research Centre (SSR) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), debt relief reduces mental strain, improving psychological well-being and cognitive function (NUS, 2019). This support empowers individuals to make sound financial decisions, aiding in their long-term journey out of poverty. Ultimately, the programme aims to foster stability, self-reliance, and social mobility.

More Than Just an Educational Experience

By witnessing the transformative impact of these programmes, donors were inspired to contribute to this collective effort that goes beyond mere financial support. It is about building a future for Singapore where every family, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the opportunity to thrive.

Join us in this mission to create lasting change. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, uplift the social well-being of lower-income families, and build a stronger, more inclusive Singapore. By starting a donor-advised fund with CFS, you can make a profound difference, turning hope into reality for those who need it most.

Get involved today and be a part of this transformative journey.

References:

Ministry of Social and Family Development. (2022). Improving the lives of low-income and vulnerable families in Singapore. https://www.msf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/resources-document/improving-the-lives-of-low-income-and-vulnerable-families-in-singaporeaa9055cf8ac54de5b01b7f3999e451fe.pdf?sfvrsn=5f5518d4_2
National University of Singapore. (2019, March 26). Debt reduction improves psychological and cognitive function, enabling better decision-making. Retrieved from https://news.nus.edu.sg/debt-reduction-improves-psychological-and-cognitive-function-enabling-better-decision-making/

Related Topics For You: AGEING WELL, CAREGIVER SUPPORT, CHARITY STORIES, CHILDREN, DONOR STORIES, DONOR-ADVISED FUND, NEWS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS, STORIES OF IMPACT

News

Law firm Rajah & Tann donates $225k to ST School Pocket Money Fund and Dementia Singapore

John Doe

(From left) Dementia Singapore’s chief executive Jason Foo, ST Singapore editor Zakir Hussain, Community Foundation of Singapore chief executive Catherine Loh, R&T managing partner Patrick Ang and R&T Foundation chairperson Rebecca Chew.

Law firm Rajah & Tann (R&T) has contributed $225,000 to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF).

Fewer homeless people sleeping on S’pore streets last year; city area has highest number

LIFT (Learning Initiatives for Employment) Community Impact Fund – Turning lives around, one step at a time

Media release: CFS and NVPC initiate cross-sector collaborative effort to help disadvantaged young persons in Singapore

The donation was part of the firm’s 45th anniversary celebration on Thursday (May 5) at the Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, where it also gave $225,000 to charity Dementia Singapore.

Mr Zakir Hussain, a board trustee of STSPMF and ST’s Singapore editor, and Dementia Singapore chief executive Jason Foo jointly received a cheque from R&T managing partner Patrick Ang and Rajah & Tann Foundation chairman Rebecca Chew.

Mr Ang said: “The spirit of caring and giving back to society is part of R&T’s DNA, which we inherited from our founders T. T. Rajah and Tann Wee Tiong.”

A commemorative book about Rajah & Tann titled Duty of Care+ was also unveiled during the celebration on Thursday.

Written by former ST senior writer Cheong Suk-Wai, the book traces the law firm’s growth from its beginnings as a two-man partnership to the regional firm it is today.

“The Rajah & Tann story is essentially about how a group of talented lawyers came together to build a top-rated indigenous Singapore law firm, while holding fast to the principle of excellence with heart in the way they practised law and cared for others,” said Mr Ang.

Among Rajah & Tann’s notable alumni are T.T. Rajah’s son V. K. Rajah, who was Attorney-General from 2014 to 2017 and a former Judge of Appeal; Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon; former Attorney-General and current Judge of Appeal Justice Steven Chong; and current Judge of the Appellate Division Justice Quentin Loh.

STSPMF general manager Tan Bee Heong said the fund gave out almost $9 million to help more than 12,000 beneficiaries last year.

“This donation will help us continue our work in providing thousands of students from low-income families with school pocket money for meals and other schooling needs,” she added.

The STSPMF was started in 2000 as a community project by ST to help children from low-income families.

It has given out nearly $90 million to date and has helped more than 200,000 beneficiaries.

This article was originally published in The Straits Times here. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction.

Related Topics For You: AGEING WELL, CAREGIVER SUPPORT, CHARITY STORIES, CHILDREN, DONOR STORIES, DONOR-ADVISED FUND, NEWS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS, STORIES OF IMPACT

admin bluecube

Opinion

Creating social impact through philanthropy

John Doe

Last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely changed your life on a daily basis. Though the pandemic has affected everyone, it hasn’t done so equally – the situations of the most vulnerable groups have been severely aggravated and awareness of our society’s fault lines and underserved needs have been heightened. But, if this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the tremendous power of common people working together to achieve a unified goal.

How Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) present an innovative and structured solution to Singapore’s philanthropic landscape

a group of people in a room with a stage and a group of people in chairs

Four ways to give back through the arts

Pragmatic reasons to engage In philanthropy

Related Topics For You: AGEING WELL, CAREGIVER SUPPORT, CHARITY STORIES, CHILDREN, DONOR STORIES, DONOR-ADVISED FUND, NEWS, PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, SENIORS, STORIES OF IMPACT

admin bluecube

Stories Of Impact

Family of Wisdom – Caring for persons with dementia and their caregivers

John Doe

Dementia is a chronic disorder of the mental processes caused by brain disease or injury. The estimated number of persons living with dementia in Singapore was 45,000 in 2015. This number is projected to increase to 103,000 by 2030.*

The Alzheimer’s Disease Association (ADA) provides personalised daycare for persons with dementia, and offers support to their caregivers. With a long waiting list for dementia day care, the ADA came up with an initiative called Family of Wisdom (FOW) to address the need.

‘Tis the Season to Give: Bring Cheer to Those in Need This Year-End

Three young men playing soccer on a field, displaying teamwork, agility, and passion for the sport.

Changi Foundation – Helping youths to realise their dreams

Children dressed in bright costumes holding props while performing on stage

UBS Diversity in Abilities Concert – Celebrating the talents of children with special needs

In the Family of Wisdom, a group of persons with dementia and their caregivers would gather to interact and engage in various activities such as memory games, baking, craft, painting, physical exercises and occasional outings. Persons are grouped according to their stage of dementia, spoken language, age, gender, educational profile and interest. The goal of the programme is to improve the clients’ well-being as some of them would become depressed and apathetic due to their cognitive impairment.

To run the programme, ADA needed funding to create an environment that was safe and conducive for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Facilitated by the Community Foundation of Singapore, the Real Estate Developers’ Association of Singapore (REDAS) stepped in to provide funding for the operating costs of the Family of Wisdom at Bendemeer.

ADA piloted the Family of Wisdom in September 2013 with 15 clients. Today, the programme serves some 100 clients through 12 sessions conducted on a weekly basis.

A caregiver shared that his loved one looked forward to attending the FOW programme. As for himself, he appreciated having the time to sit down and chitchat over a cup of coffee, comforted by the fact that he was not alone in his caregiving journey.

(*Source: Alzheimer’s Disease International, “Dementia in the Asia Pacific Region, Nov 2014)

Photos: Alzheimer’s Disease Association

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit dolor

John Doe

Learn more about FUN! Fund at https://www.cf.org.sg/fun-fund/.

The programme provides the children with a non-threatening platform to connect with peers and have positive conversations. In addition, it exposes them to different people who can assist to broaden their perspectives.
L.S., a volunteer with the Reading Odyssey programme @ Spooner Road