Mr Choo Gim Kang, Brigade President

Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairperson of The Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box

Boys and Officers of The Boys’ Brigade

Distinguished guests

Ladies and gentlemen

1          I am pleased to be here today at The Boys’ Brigade Sharity Gift Box Closing Ceremony.  The Sharity Gift Box is an annual event organised by the Boys Brigade as part of its service to the community.  Through the programme, we hope to inculcate in our younger generation a sense of responsibility and concern towards  fellow Singaporeans who are less fortunate and who may need an extra helping hand.  This will help create a more caring and inclusive Singapore.  The participation of the cadets will also provide an opportunity to mould their character and shape their values and allow them to learn about team work.

2          It is heartening to note that this project has been held year after year for the past 18 years.  This is indeed a long time for a community service project to have continued and to grow with each passing year.  I have been told that the Chairperson, Mrs Mildred Tan, and her committee have fulfilled over 7,500 wishes, 2,000 more than last year, as well as collecting over 400,000 food items for the needy under the public assistance schemes and the VWOs.  I congratulate The Boys’ Brigade on this fine effort in organising a very successful BB Sharity Gift Box.  This bears testimony to the big hearts that Singaporeans have in giving to their fellow Singaporeans regardless of race, language or religion.  I am delighted to see the strong support from Singaporeans from all walks of life for such a meaningful event of caring and sharing. 

2          I understand that aside from this flagship community service project, you also organise the BB CARES community service weekend where BB Companies play host to beneficiaries for a weekend of fun and fellowship.  I also note with interest that the BB has volunteer guiding programmes with the National Parks Board.  These are held at the National Orchid Garden and Fort Canning Park, where BB Boys share with other students the finer points on flora and fauna, and the historical significance of the venues.  Another programme is the Community Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Programme, a joint partnership with Alexandra Hospital and Central Singapore Community Development Council.  The Youth Expedition Programme to Cambodia is a community service project by the BB that goes beyond our shores.  This programme has been carried out every year since its inception in 2001.  During the expedition the Boys’ Brigade brings a team to Cambodia to do 14 days of voluntary work.  To date the BB has completed 8 such programmes in Cambodia.       

3          I am happy that the BB’s programmes and curriculum brings the Boys closer to the community and gave them a practical hands on experience of what community service is all about.  It is a very meaningful way to spend the school holidays.

4          In planning and organising the Sharity Gift Box event, I understand that the Secondary 3 cadets who have been identified as potential leaders handle the briefing and manpower deployment of some one hundred Secondary 2 and 3 cadets. After the briefing and deployment, these boys then go on to handle the warehouse operations which involves packing and distribution to the VWOs and the beneficiaries.  They must also take care to ensure that the food items are not crushed or damaged.  Three cadets Daniel Pflug (pronounced “flew”), Marcus Wang and Daryl Tan from Victoria School who were at the Main Sharity Gift Box Collection Centre said that they were pleasantly surprised to see so many Singaporeans donating generously for a worthy cause and they were touched by their concern for the less fortunate.  The experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on them.              

6          I would like to encourage the Boys Brigade to keep up the good work.  On behalf of the thousands of beneficiaries out there, I would like to thank you and all the volunteers for your efforts and your service.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed towards the Sharity Gift Box.  Your generosity will go a long way to bring joy to many lives during this festive season.  Thank you and Merry Christmas.