Category: Children For Children

Singapore, 6 October 2023 – Children for Children (CFC) 2023 illuminated the eve of Children’s Day as over 700 underserved children revelled in a day of adventure and joy. CFC 2023 took place at the Sapphire Pavilion, Siloso Point, Sentosa on October 5, 2023, and was graced by Mrs. Josephine Teo, Minister for Communications and Information.

Co-organised by TRCL, The Business Times (BT), and CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School, CFC 2023 marked its 15th edition with a celebration of giving back to the community and nurturing young aspirations.

Mount Faber Leisure Group (MFLG), the venue sponsor of CFC 2023’s Pokémon cable car rides from Mount Faber to Sentosa, expressed satisfaction in being a part of this enriching experience. Sentosa also sponsored the venue, Sapphire Pavilion, where the performance by CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School and the following carnival was held. The heart of CFC 2023 beats in alignment with the theme of the performance “I Can and I Will,” reminding everyone that obstacles can be surmounted and dreams can be achieved.

Mrs. Shanthi Suraj Nair, Principal of CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School, highlighted the event’s impact on the children. “Children should be allowed to be children, to play and have fun. For us, it was a gratifying experience to let these children ride on the Pokémon cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa, and letting them be themselves with the performance and the carnival. Letting them enjoy a day in the sun and experiencing the Van Gogh exhibit brought great joy to us as well,” expressed Mrs. Nair.

The day unfolded with the Pokémon cable car ride followed by the performance “I Can and I Will” by CHIJ (Kellock) Primary School pupils at Sapphire Pavilion. Besides engaging activities and games at the carnival, the children had the opportunity to explore the Van Gogh exhibit at Sentosa, immersing themselves in the world of art and creativity.

The fundraising aspect of CFC 2023, benefitting The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), stands as a beacon of hope for underserved children aspiring to excel in the arts. By supporting their artistic growth, BT BAF envisions a future brimming with creativity, self-confidence, and a rich cultural landscape.

BT Deputy Editor, Helmi Yusoff, reflected on the significance of the event in fostering a compassionate and inclusive society. “CFC 2023 showcased the collective power of community, collaboration, and compassion. The engagement and dedication from various sectors underscore the importance of nurturing the potential within each child, regardless of circumstances,” he noted.

As the curtains fall on CFC 2023, the organisers extend their gratitude to the public for their unwavering support. The event’s success, fostered by venue partners MFLG, Sentosa Development Corporation, and Van Gogh exhibition, has paved the way for brighter futures, one child at a time. To date, CFC has raised around $201,500. Donors include Hustle & Bustle, Hong Leong Group Singapore (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, Hong Leong Finance Limited, Hong Leong Asia Limited, City Development Limited, Millennium & Copthorne International Limited), Certis Group, Mr CT Quek, CWT Limited, NTUC Fairprice Foundation, UBS, Mr Arthur Lim, Oilfield Services & Supplies Pte Ltd, Slap Dance Studio.

SINGAPORE, 28 SEPTEMBER 2022 – Close to 1,000 children will come together again in celebration of Children’s Day at an iconic Singapore attraction for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Annual community fundraiser, Children for Children (CFC) which will take place on Thursday, 6 October 2022 will bring close to 1,000 underserved children from primary schools across Singapore, together to enjoy a carnival and to spend a day out at Universal Studios Singapore after.

Jointly organised by not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL, CHIJ Kellock and The Business Times with support from Resorts World Sentosa, CFC 2022 is the first in-person CFC event since Covid-19 began in two years ago. This will also be the first time that CFC will take on a carnival format. Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, will be the Guest-of- Honour at the event.

Beginning at 9:30am, CFC 2022 will include a flashmob performance by beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund while carnival booths will feature an array of activities and food.

First launched in 2008, CFC has impacted the lives of more than 13,000 children with memorable experiences at iconic attractions in Singapore. These include the Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoo, Underwater World, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and KidZania Singapore.

CFC is also a fundraiser for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), a fund that believes in the importance of the arts and its benefits in encouraging the development of creativity, resilience and confidence in children and youth from ages six to 19. To date, CFC 2002 has raised $233,000 for BT BAF from donors comprising corporations, a foundation and also individuals.

Event Details

Date: Thurs, 6 October 2022
Time: 9.00am – 12:00pm
Carnival Venue: The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Guest of honour: Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law

Other notable guests in attendance:

• Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman, TRCL
• Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor, The Business Times
• Mrs Shanti Suraj Nair, Principal, CHIJ Kellock

1,000 Children Receive Tickets to Adventure Cove Waterpark; Launch of New Video-Production and Book; Announcement of New Community Initiative to Bring Children Together

• Children for Children (CFC) 2021 takes on a blended format for the second year
• 1000 children to receive a pair of tickets to Adventure Cove Waterpark at Resorts World Sentosa
• This year’s edition features a 20-minute video and book titled “Love Triumphs”
• Mr Eric Chua, Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Social and Family Development, gives opening remarks in the 20-min video
• CFC announces launch of new community initiative

SINGAPORE, 8 October 2021 – Annual community fundraiser, Children for Children (CFC) 2021 marks Children Day with a triple treat: enabling 1,000 underserved children to visit Adventure Cove Waterpark at Resorts World Sentosa; the launch of a new video production and book; the announcement of a new initiative, the development of a community string orchestra.

First launched in 2008, CFC has impacted the lives of more than 13,000 children with memorable experience at iconic attractions. These include the Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoo, Underwater World, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and KidZania Singapore. CFC is also a fundraiser for The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), a fund that believes in the importance of the arts and its benefits in encouraging the development of creativity, resilience and confidence in children and youth from ages six to 19.

Jointly organised by not-for-profit arts organisation TRCL, CHIJ Kellock, The Business Times and Resorts World Sentosa, CFC 2021 will see 1000 children receiving a pair of tickets each to enjoy Adventure Cove Waterpark at their own time during the year-end school holidays. Each child will also be given a goodie bag filled with exciting treats like food vouchers and traditional game sets to add to their day of fun.

Ms Nanami Kasasaki, Chief Corporate Officer of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) says: “RWS has been a part of CFC for many years because we strongly believe in giving back to the community. As we adapt to living with Covid-19 in the new normal, RWS hopes to bring some cheer to our young friends on Children’s Day. We look forward to welcoming them to explore Adventure Cove Waterpark with a parent or guardian, where they can bond and create fond memories together in the park.”

CFC 2021 aims to encourage children to remain resilient and care for one another through a special 20- minute online video written and performed by students from Kellock CHIJ (Primary) with original music by beneficiaries of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) titled “Love Triumphs.” The video talks about the importance of peer support and acts of extending a helping hand to those in need to overcome adversity.

This is the second consecutive year that an online video production has been produced in lieu of a concert usually staged by Kellock CHIJ (Primary) for the beneficiaries of CFC.

This video features talents from CHIJ Kellock and beneficiaries of the BT BAF, and will be launched via the TRCL YouTube channel on Friday, 8 October at 10 am. The video will also see Mr Eric Chua, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development, deliver opening remarks.

Says Mrs Shanthi Suraj Nair, Principal of CHIJ Kellock (Primary): “At CHIJ Kellock, we believe in bringing out the best in our girls. In addition to co-producing the online video, we have also published a special book similarly titled “Love Triumphs” which will be given to all the children. Through CFC, our students have been able to learn and understand what it truly means to care for one another and show love to one another despite their differences. We hope the children will enjoy the online video and the book, and also pick up the values shared in the story.”

Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor of The Business Times, adds: “CFC is a unique platform through which we as a community can let the underserved children know we are thinking of them. Especially during this current situation where the course of the pandemic remains uncertain, we are thankful that the CHIJ Kellock students and our BT BAF beneficiaries have found creative means to connect with the underserved children through the online video and book.

I am glad they are able to use this Children’s Day meaningfully to give back to their peers. We would also like to extend a big thank you to all our partners and donors for their generous and continued support for CFC, especially during trying times such as these.”

Another musical element which furthers the building of community spirit will be introduced into CFC’s format for next year.

Says Mr Phan Ming Yen, Chief Operating Officer, TRCL, of the new community initiative that will be supported by CFC: “Since its inception, one of the key tenets of Children for Children is that of building a communal spirit among the young, of one supporting another in a reciprocal way. The formation of a community string orchestra is an embodiment of that. This orchestra aims to provide an opportunity for children from disadvantaged families to be part of a group, to nurture their talent, to make new friends and to engage in music making, the process which engenders the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.

“In this, TRCL would be working with Wolfgang Music Studio under the guidance of well-known violinist and educator Lee Huei Min to develop this orchestra. We will be sharing more details of this orchestra in the months to come with the aim that by CFC 2022, this orchestra would be able to contribute a performance.”

To date, CFC has raised around $180,000. Donors include the Hong Leong Group of Companies (comprising Hong Leong Foundation, City Development Limited, Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Hong Leong Holdings Limited, Hong Leong Finance Limited, Hong Leong Asia Limited), Certis Group, ERA Singapore, CWT Limited, Eagle Brand, McDonald’s Singapore, SPH Foundation, V3 Group Limited, Yanua International Private Limited, Hyper Island Singapore and Perennial Real Estate Holdings Limited.

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 TRCL (The Rice Company Ltd), 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 8 October 2020 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, Mr Lawrence Wong, will share an opening address in the video.

Says Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL: “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.”

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 on 8 October 2020 where they will book online their preferred date of visit and enjoy Universal Studios Singapore at their own leisure before the end of November.

Says Mr Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS): “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. 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.”

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 on-going 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.

Say Ms Magdalene Chin, Principal of CHIJ Kellock, “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.

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.”

Says Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor of The Business Times, “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.

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.”

CFC raised a total of $110,600. Donors have included the 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.

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 TRCL (The Rice Company Ltd), 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 8 October 2020 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, Mr Lawrence Wong, will share an opening address in the video.

Says Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Officer of TRCL: “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.”

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 on 8 October 2020 where they will book online their preferred date of visit and enjoy Universal Studios Singapore at their own leisure before the end of November.

Says Mr Tan Hee Teck, Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Sentosa (RWS): “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. 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.”

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 on-going 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.

Say Ms Magdalene Chin, Principal of CHIJ Kellock, “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.

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.”

Says Mr Wong Wei Kong, Editor of The Business Times, “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.

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.”

CFC raised a total of $110,600. Donors have included the 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.