Singapore Government Press Release

Media Division, Ministry of Information, Communications and The Arts,

MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2nd Storey, Singapore 179369

Tel: 837-9666

Good evening,

Lieutenant General Winston Choo, Chairman of Singapore Red Cross Society

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

It gives me great pleasure to be with you at this gala dinner. Tonight is a special night. The Singapore Red Cross Society has specially dedicated this evening to recognise and to hold up as examples, the extraordinary efforts of many individuals, who have contributed in different ways to help others. These are people who have made the spirit of giving part of their lives.

Amidst the gaiety and celebrations during this festive season, it is important that we do not forget those who are not as fortunate as ourselves or who are in need.

We are now in the midst of an economic recession. Some of us may not receive a bonus this year and may suffer a wage freeze or even a wage cut. This may be a bad time for us, but it should not stop us from sharing and giving. Indeed it is during times like these, that we should be more sensitive to the less fortunate.

The Singapore Red Cross Society has established itself as an organisation which has consistently provided valuable support to communities and individuals during challenging times. It has a very strong record of active leadership and participation in several international relief appeals. Some recent examples include the earthquakes in El Salvador and in Gujarat in India, and the flood of the Mekong River in Vietnam. The Singapore Red Cross Society has successfully rallied support from several civic groups to raise more than 3.6 million dollars to fund emergency relief operations, re-construction and rehabilitation works.

Many of us would remember the SQ 006 disaster in November last year. The incident roused the selflessness and compassion of Singaporeans, who came forward in large numbers to offer their assistance. For example, over 3000 Singaporeans came forward to donate blood, in an exercise that involved 100 volunteers and staff of the Singapore Red Cross Society.

During a disaster, there is a strong and natural impetus for people to come forward to help. However, it is also crucial that the spirit of giving and sharing should not be confined to such situations but should become part and parcel of our normal lives. In this regard, the Singapore Red Cross Society has been quietly performing and co-ordinating very important, but less newsworthy, activities. For example, it provides the only residential programme that caters to the needs of the severely physically disabled; a hostel for the physically handicapped workers who continue to work and live independently. It also runs a non-emergency ambulance service for the needy. In addition, the Singapore Red Cross Society promotes first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation skills in schools and childcare centres and amongst the general public.

The Singapore Red Cross Society has also established tertiary chapters in the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic. This is an important strategy to promote a lifestyle of sharing and giving among the younger generation. They have initiated several local and regional activities such as the "Well of Hope Project" in Vietnam.

These activities attest to the commitment of many individuals and institutions. The Singapore Red Cross Society is undoubtedly known for its good standing in community and its strength in getting volunteers. However, it requires the participation and dedication of many more.

The Singapore Red Cross Society is the national blood donor recruiter. It focuses on encouraging Singaporeans to be blood donors and educating the public on the importance of blood donation. It has been very resourceful in deploying creative and exciting initiatives to recruit donors. For example, it has instituted a "Red Apple Day" with Singapore Press Holdings to encourage youths to become blood donors. More organisations can make a commitment with the Singapore Red Cross Society. They can become committed supporters of the national blood donation programme.

Tonight, we are giving several awards to a group of ordinary people for their extraordinary commitment. They have, over the years, been donating blood, the "gift of life", in good, bad and normal times. Their fine effort has helped countless patients who have required blood transfusions as part of their treatment in our hospitals. I would like to commend them for their exemplary commitment.

The New Year is just around the corner. Let us reflect on our role in the community and make a resolution, Give blood, the "gift of life", for "it is more blessed to give than to receive".

I wish you an enjoyable evening.