Annual community fundraiser for children, Children for Children (CFC), will take on a virtual spin this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
With restricted group activities resulting from safe distancing measures during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, CFC – which since 2008 has annually treated 1,000 children to a live performance and a visit to an iconic Singapore attraction – will take the form of a blend of online and physical activities.
The event is jointly organised by not-for-profit arts organisation The Rice Company Ltd (TRCL), CHIJ Kellock, The Business Times, and Resorts World Sentosa.
The 12th edition of CFC will see its first online musical video production which will be launched on Thursday (8 Oct), and streamed over two months so as to reach out to a wider public.
Titled ‘A Glimmer of Dawn’, the video features music, dance, and theatre talents from CHIJ Kellock and beneficiaries of the The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF). Minister of Education Lawrence Wong will share an opening address in the video.
“Unlike previous editions of CFC, this year is the first time the public can view the online performance staged by the children on TRCL’s YouTube Channel as well as BT BAF’s Facebook Page. We hope that this video will inspire our children to remain united and resilient as we work towards overcoming the challenges of COVID-19 and to emerge stronger,” said Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL.
In keeping with the event’s tradition of bringing children to an iconic Singapore attraction while observing safe distancing measures, Resorts World Sentosa has sponsored 1,000 children from 50 primary schools with a pair of tickets each to Universal Studios Singapore.
They will receive the tickets during the Children’s Day celebration in schools tomorrow where they will book online their preferred date of visit and enjoy Universal Studios Singapore at their own leisure before the end of November.
“RWS has supported Children for Children over the years because we believe in helping children discover their potential and realise their ambitions. Children’s Day is a joyous occasion for our young friends. At a time when families are transitioning to a new normal, RWS wants to bring fun and cheer to children from low income homes,” said Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Sentosa.
“A trip to Universal Studios Singapore means a lot to them. They can enjoy the many thrilling rides, meet their favourite characters and bond with their families. We are very happy to make a positive impact on the community as part of our corporate social responsibility outreach,” he added.
Each of the 1,000 children will also receive a CFC souvenir book specially published by CHIJ Kellock titled ‘A Hero Within’ which tells the tale of three young children whose lives have been upended by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Faced with real issues in these uncertain times, the three characters, Zaiton, Xiow Ling, and Anand come together to understand this new landscape and realise that in their own ways they can be heroes.
“This period of the pandemic has seen many acts of quiet heroism amongst the community, regardless of their age. Many of us have made sacrifices in our own ways and also done things we may not ordinarily do to serve others. Some of these acts may be ‘big’ acts that are known and visible to all. Some of these acts could be private and yet still impact and touch others in a special way. Sometimes we may tend to take for granted the sacrifices that our young ones make or the acts of bravery they do for others,” said Magdalene Chin, Principal of CHIJ Kellock.
“This book highlights and reminds all that each of us, young or old have a role to play in overcoming this public health crisis. Each day as we do seemingly simple acts of responsibility such as wearing a mask or washing our hands or observing safe distancing measures, we are playing an important and big role in overcoming this pandemic and a hero unto ourselves,” she added.
“For the children, CFC is an annual event which connects them with the community who cheer them on. This year, we are proud of how our BT BAF kids and children from CHIJ Kellock have displayed tenacity and creativity in working with safe distancing measures to create an engaging online performance video to ensure that they can still put a smile on the faces of these children,” commented Wong Wei Kong, Editor of The Business Times.
“We are also extremely heartened by the continued support from partners and donors during these difficult times to ensure that this event can go on. This is all the more important in times like these,” he added.
In total, CFC has raised about S$110,600. Donors include Hong Leong Group of Companies (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, City Developments Limited, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Hong Leong Holdings Limited, Hong Leong Finance Limited and Hong Leong Asia Limited), Certis Group, CWT Limited, and Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited.
CFC also welcomes three new donors – Jardine Cycle & Carriage Limited, V3 Group Limited, and Singapore Press Holdings Foundation Ltd.
Since 2008, CFC has brought more than 12,000 children to iconic destinations in Singapore – including The Singapore Flyer, the Singapore Zoo, Underwater World, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and KidZania Singapore.
CFC is also a fundraiser for BT BAF, a fund which provides financial support for financially disadvantaged children and youth (between the ages of six to 19) to nurture their interests in the arts.