Most of the time, we are so caught up in the daily grind that we forget the less fortunate in our society. Seeing that it was the first official Staff Welfare Committee (SWC) event of 2009, members unanimously agreed to kick start the year of events on a meaningful note.

SWC first shortlisted a few charities that we would like to contribute to. We then studied the charities’ causes, and found that the Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore (SCAS) has been a beacon of light to needy families that have a child with cerebral palsy since 1957. The association aims to provide special education, rehabilitation services, vocational training and gainful employment for children and adults with cerebral palsy in Singapore. Cerebral palsy is a general term used to encompass a group of non-progressive, non contagious conditions that cause physical disability in human development. The disease damages motor control centres of the developing brain and can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or after birth to about age three. There is currently no known cure for cerebral palsy and needy clients rely on SCAS to provide them with treatment like physical therapy and wheelchairs for mobility. It was disturbing for the Committee to learn that close to 75% of SCAS’ client families face financial hardship and have difficulty providing for the special needs of their disabled children. Hence, SWC decided to concentrate its efforts on collecting donation items for SCAS.

On Wednesday, 8 April 2009, SWC inaugurated a drive to obtain donations for the SCAS. This donation drive greatly displayed the generosity of SMA staff as members rallied around to raise donations in cash or kind for our friends at SCAS. SMA staff were conscious that they could make a difference and thus contributed generously. Many contributed daily necessities such as rice, instant noodles, cereal, baby powder, toothpaste, stationery and bags.  As up to a quarter of the association’s clients are toilet-dependent, SWC purchased diapers with the cash donations received.  We were aware that daily necessities which nobody thought a great deal about actually meant a lot to a needy family.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to personally deliver the donations. The cheerful warmth exuded by the caregivers at the association, the determination and zest of the children as they went about their activities touched me. I realised that in spite of their disabilities, the children counted each day a blessing and never bemoaned their lot in life.

Through the support of SMA, we have contributed to the SCAS vision of helping children under their care realise their fullest potential and lead fulfilling lives.

Children at the Spastic Children’s Association were delighted to be gifted with daily necessities from SMA office