- President of Singapore Halimah Yacob officiates light-up of ChariTrees at Marina Bay on Sunday, 15 November 2020, 7 pm
- Light-up honours community heroes who have stepped up during the Covid-19 public health crisis
- Fundraises for Samaritans of Singapore and the #ENGAGE initiative which addresses needs that have arisen during this period, funds raised to-date $211,000
15 November 2020 – On Sunday evening 15th November, annual fundraising movement ChariTrees 2020 will light up Marina Bay this year in support of the fight against the ongoing Covid-19 public health crisis.
ChariTrees 2020 will focus on two social causes that have become urgent during the current situation and recognise the efforts of community heroes who have contributed for the betterment of the underserved during this period.
The two social causes are: Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) which carries out intervention and suicide prevention services and the #ENGAGE Initiative by arts and culture organisation TRCL which provides vulnerable children with digital devices and digital-art programmes to equip them with know-how and creative skills. These charities epitomise key concerns wrought by the pandemic that many Singaporeans are facing this year: mental well-being and digital inclusivity. To date, the ChariTrees movement has raised about $211,000 for these two charities.
Says Mr Tan Puay Kern, Chairman of the ChariTrees 2020 Organising Committee, “We are grateful to all our donors, sponsors and partners for their support and generous giving spirit. As 2020 draws to a close, we hope the ChariTrees will be a source of inspiration and light to all of us, cheering us on in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In such challenging times, it is even more important that we continue to remember and support those in need amongst us. Together, we can make this year-end season of giving and goodwill more meaningful and significant.”
Now in its 10th year, ChariTrees is a movement that sees Marina Bayfront Waterfront Promenade being lit up by specially designed Christmas Trees. Past beneficiaries of ChariTrees have included The Business Times Budding Artists Fund which provide arts education for economically distanced young talents and the Community Chest. ChariTrees 2020 is organized by arts and culture organisation, TRCL (The Rice Company Ltd).
ChariTrees 2020 will also recognise the efforts of individuals whom throughout this public health crisis have stepped out to alleviate the challenges and suffering faced by the underserved.
These community heroes include (see Annex A for details):
- Park$2Project which collaborated with Kindness Mart delivered essentials to the needy
- Project Stable Staples which raised funds to support those living in rental blocks during the Circuit Breaker period
- Art4SGMW, a team of psychotherapists and art practitioners, who supported the emotional well-being of migrant workers during the public health crisis
- PleaseStay. Movement which advocates support for suicide prevention and mental health amongst youths in Singapore.
Says Mr Gasper Tan, Chief Executive of Samaritans of Singapore, “During celebratory periods, there are pockets of society that may not have the privilege to celebrate with their loved ones. The trees are dedicated to those who are struggling during this period. It also serves as a reminder that no matter how tough it gets in the journey of life, one does not have to face the challenges alone.”
President Halimah Yacob will officiate the light-up of the trees this Sunday 15thNovember. In keeping with on-going safe distancing measures, the light up will be streamed online to donors and stakeholders on the evening after the event. The trees will light up Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade up till 26 December.
Adds Mr Tan Tee Tong, Chief Operating Office, of co-organiser TRCL: “We’re indeed grateful for the support shown by our donors who keep the spirit of giving alive during this difficult time. ChariTrees allows us to enrich the community and the lives of our most vulnerable and needy.”
The donors of ChariTrees 2020 are: Gold Donors — Arrowcrest Technologies Pte Ltd, Certis, PAP Community Foundation, and Sian Chay Medical Institution; Silver Donors — Century Evergreen Pte Ltd, Dr Daniel Fung, and Hatten Group. Our partners include production partner Rich-Art Enterprises Pte Ltd, venue partner Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), and marketing partner Northpoint City.