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| TOP
STORIES |
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400 YMCA volunteers successfully
built a 1.2km road in Cambodia
The opening ceremony of Grace Road
in Siem Reap, Cambodia was held
in conjunction with the inaugural
YMCA English Language Programme
Graduation Ceremony on 28 November
2008.
It was previously a dirt road that
had been severely damaged by floods.
It took 400 volunteers, US$40,000
and 2 years to finally transform
to a 1.2 km concrete road. Renamed
as “Grace Road”, it
is a gift of love from the Singaporean
volunteers who toiled endlessly
under scorching heat with temperatures
at 34°C and occasionally bitten
by scorpions.
55 underprivileged youth from Proyouth
Village went down in history as
the first batch of graduates of
the YMCA English Language Programme.
Ms Tan Yee Woan, the Singapore Ambassador
to Cambodia, graced the graduation
cermeony as Guest-of-Honour and
presented certificates to the graduands.
The programme provides English language
skills in a structured and sustained
manner to enable the youth to find
better employment. The 10-module
curriculum was conducted by volunteers
over a period of a year at the Boys’
Brigade Learning Centre since October
2007, culminating into a proficiency
test in September 2008.
The YMCA English Language Programme
and building of Grace Road are part
of the YMCA International Service
Programmes (ISP) in Cambodia. For
more information on ISP, please
contact Andrew Leo at andrewleo@ymca.org.sg
or call 6586 2331.
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Pledge your support for
a smoke free YMCA @ One Orchard!
YMCA espouses the development of
the Body, Mind and Spirit. To promote
a healthy lifestyle among our guests,
members, volunteers and staff, YMCA
was declared a smoke free building
on 1 January 2009.
Smoking will therefore be prohibited
in all parts of the building, including
the carpark at Level 3, outdoor
terrace at Level 4, swimming pool
at Level 9 as well as the walkway
outside the YMCA building.
YMCA has rolled out a smoke free
campaign that includes putting up
posters around the building, educating
the students of YMCA School and
Student Care Centres on the harmfulness
of smoking, developing a smoke free
quiz as well as placement of a giant
cigarette and large message board
at Level 1 for our members, volunteers
and guests to post messages of support.
Readers of this YMCA eNews may also
email your messages to us at corpcomms@ymca.org.sg.
We look forward to your support
in building a healthier community
together with us.
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A Star is Born –
A Tribute to YMCA Volunteers
Over 80 YMCA volunteers, Board members
and staff came together on 15 December
2008 for an early Christmas celebration
at the YMCA. Named ‘A Star
is Born’, the event was organized
to pay a special tribute to YMCA
volunteers for being the stars that
shine brightly for the beneficiaries.
Mr Cecil Wong, Board Trustee of
YMCA of Singapore, graced the event
as the Guest-of-Honour and presented
Outstanding Volunteers Awards to
nine volunteers who have exhibited
exceptional volunteer qualities.
They were Cheong May Anne, Daniel
Chong, Fang Xin Wei, Han Wei Guang,
Li Yi Wei, Ruth Ng, Su Hui Ting,
Tham Yi Ning and Esther Tay. Mr
Wong also presented Certificates
of Recognition to all 24 nominees
for the awards.
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| WORLD
YMCA NEWS |
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2008 Noble Peace Prize
Winner is a YMCA Member
The 2008 winner of the Nobel Peace
Prize, Mr Martti Ahtisaari, is a
member of YMCA Oulu in Finland.
Mr Ahtisaari first joined the local
YMCA in Oulu as a young teacher
in 1957, and later as a basketball
player and coach. He embarked on
his first international mission
by teaching in a YMCA project in
Pakistan from 1960 to 1963. Mr Ahtisaari
also served as the 10th President
of Finland from 1994 to 2000.
YMCA of Singapore extends its heartiest
congratulations to Mr Ahtisaari.
May the Lord continue to use him
mightily in His service.
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| CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT |
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Verse of the month:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
2009 has arrived in the midst of continuing uncertainty and turbulence. Many people are wondering if the new year will offer better prospects. As we thank God for His grace in the past year, we should also move on. The Bible says in the Book of Isaiah, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God is not saying that the past things are unimportant but that He is the Living God and lives to make a difference every day of our lives. God delights in doing something new in our lives in His plans. They are the impossible things that He does. It is in the crises of life which also form the greatest opportunities. The Chinese word for crisis (wei-ji) includes the character for danger as well as opportunity. As we seek God's guidance for the new year, let us continue to put our trust and confidence in God who does not change and delights to do new and wonderful things in our lives.
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Prayer of the month
Our Father in Heaven, we praise You for You are our mighty and awesome God. We thank You for a new year. Though this year may continue to be a turbulent year, we will continue to look to You for guidance and strength. We pray for Your grace and mercy upon those who are going through crises that their daily needs are provided. We pray that You will give us wisdom and strength as we minister to those who are poor and needy. Let us trust in You and believe that You will do a new thing in our life. May You open many doors of opportunities to us during this crisis that we may see the miraculous work of Your hands. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
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| WHAT'S HAPPENING? |
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Tee off at the YMCA Golf
Fellowship!
YMCA is pleased to present the all
new YMCA Golf Fellowship, a beginner
level course for all aspiring golfers.
Held at the Jurong Country Club
over nine lessons, participants
will learn about golfing etiquette,
the fundamentals of a good swing,
putting, chipping and more. For
more details on the course fees
and start dates, please click here.
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Bake Chinese New Year goodies
for the elderly
Chinese New Year is just around
the corner! In the midst of our celebration,
we would like to bless the elderly and
less privileged by bringing them cheer
during this festive season. Come join
us as we bake Chinese New Year goodies
for them. No baking experience needed.
Kindly register with Member Services at
6586 2255/56 or members@ymca.org.sg by
11 January 2009.
| Date: |
Saturday, 17 January 2009 |
| Time: |
9:30am
– 1:00pm |
Meeting
Venue: |
Members'
Lounge
Level 4
YMCA of Singapore |
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Calling all youth! Reinvent
yourself at Y Knot.
Come join fellow youth at the first
Y Knot fellowship of 2009! There
will be songs, games and special
performances by members of Uni-Y,
Holy Trinity Church and City Harvest
Church. There will also be a short
devotion led by Pastor Tan Chee
Kiang from City Harvest Church.
| Date: |
Thursday, 29 January 2009 |
| Time: |
4:00pm
– 5:30pm |
| Venue: |
Tan
Chin Tuan Function Room II
Level 4
YMCA of Singapore |
Y Knot is a monthly Christian youth
fellowship that allows youth to
connect with each other and be empowered
to set a new direction for their
lives. For more information, please
contact Seraph Ng at seraphng@ymca.org.sg.
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Calling for sponsors, judges
& participants for YMCA Mandarin
Speaking Awards
The YMCA of Singapore, together
with the Ministry of Education and
Confucius Institute, will be organizing
the 3rd YMCA Mandarin Speaking Awards
(MSA) from 24 March 2009. We are
now open for registration! We are
also appealing to those who are
proficient in Mandarin to join us
as judges in this competition.
For more information on this event,
please kindly contact Ms Jean Chai
at 6586 2209 or email her at msa@ymca.org.sg.
Should you wish to be a sponsor
for this event, we would like to
hear from you as well.
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| YMCA
Member Specials |
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Atos Wellness
Discover an exclusive range of face,
body, wellness and spa therapies
that combine both modern cross cultural
and traditional therapies. Atos
Wellness believes in creating harmony
from within to achieve visible and
sustainable results, and taking
holistic approach towards total
well-being.
YMCA Members can get 35% off the
Usual Price from the ala-carte menu
and an indulging treatment at only
$38 at Inahamani, a spa branch of
Atos Wellness.
For more information on Inahamani,
please click here
to visit their website. For more
details on the special offer for
YMCA Members, please click here.
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| SERVE
WITH THE Y! |
Be
a volunteer at the YMCA
We have many exciting and enriching
local and international community service
programmes available. Join us today and
be embraced by fun-filled activities for
you and your friends to participate in! |
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Ministry
Opportunities :
We are looking for committed Christians to
serve with us in the following ministries:
Worship
Calling worship leaders, back-up singers and
musicians (keyboard or guitar). You can volunteer
to serve at youth fellowship or quarterly
Christian Seminars. Prior to each event, a
practice of about 2 hours may be required.
The Boys’ Brigade
YMCA sponsors The Boys' Brigade 24J Singapore
Company, a juniors BB company based at Fuhua
Primary School. The parades are held every
Friday from 3.15pm to 5.15pm. Manpower is
needed to run activities such as Devotions,
Bible Study, Hiking, Outdoor Cooking, Community
Service etc.
If you would like to join us in serving the
Lord, you are most welcomed to contact Ms
Seraph Ng at 6586 2242 or email to her at
seraphng@ymca.org.sg.
For more information, please click here
to go to access our Christian Development
page on our website. |
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Copywriters,
photographers & designers needed!
If you have a flair for copywriting, photography
and design, we invite you to rally with us
as a volunteer. Projects include the Y Factor
newsletter, Y eNews, brochures and posters.
If you have some experience in Public Relations
and would like to serve at YMCA, we would
like to work with you too! Interested parties
can email your contact details and brief description
of your experience to Samuel Ng at samuelng@ymca.org.sg. |
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Do you have the passion
to serve the needy overseas?
If you do, YMCA International Service
Programmes (ISP) would like to invite
you to join us in extending a helping
hand to the under-privileged community
in China and Cambodia. Programmes
such as refurbishing libraries,
canteens, classrooms, repairing
roads, teaching English, arts and
music are organised. We hope through
these programmes we could improve
the children’s quality of
life and to help them break out
of the poverty cycle. We will like
to encourage you to form a team
with your friends, colleagues or
church members and join us for this
meaningful service. If you like
to touch the lives of others abroad,
please feel free to email Shu Ling
at shuling@ymca.org.sg.
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| Event |
Description |
Details |
Y
Reading Clubs
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Befriend
our beneficiaries and help them improve
their reading skills and general knowledge
through this meaningful programme.
Y Reading Clubs aims to promote the
love of reading and cultivate good
reading habits among our beneficiaries
from partnering Voluntary Welfare
Organisations (VWOs) reaching out
to the intellectually challenged.
* Volunteers
are needed to tutor mildly intellectually
challenged beneficiaries at Metta
School in basic Mathematics and English
in 2009. Volunteers are required to
commit to two hour long tutoring sessions
held fortnightly on Fridays for at
least half a year. |
Date:
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Time: 10:00am –
1:00pm
Beneficiary: Spastic
Children’s Association of Singapore
Date: Saturday, 10
January 2009
Time: 9:00am –
2:00pm
Beneficiary: Handicapped
Welfare Association |
Y
Green Fingers
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Y
Green Fingers allows you to do gardening
at various Voluntary Welfare Organisations.
Tend to the gardens and plants together
with the beneficiaries! |
Date:
Tuesday, 13 & 27 January 2009
Time: 2:30pm –
4:30pm
Beneficiary: Bishan
Home for the Intellectually Disabled
Date: Friday, 30
January 2009
Time: 3:00pm –
5:00pm
Beneficiary: The
Tent |
Y
Chorus
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Y
Chorus allows volunteers with a love
for music and song to bring cheer to
beneficiaries in Voluntary Welfare Organisations
(VWOs) and hospitals. Monthly visits
to selected VWOs are conducted and volunteers
will teach and perform a repertoire
of songs to the beneficiaries. |
Date
& Time:
Saturday, 10 January 2009 (9:00am
– 12:00pm) & Friday, 23
January 2009 (3:30pm – 5:00pm)
Beneficiary: Singapore
Association for Mental Health |
Y
Arts Challenge
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This
programme uses performing and visual
arts to develop the talents of our beneficiaries.
Volunteers will sit in with beneficiaries
as they engage in classroom activities
such as arts and craft. |
Date:
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Time: 10:00am –
12:00pm
Beneficiary: The
Tent (Y Guitar)
Date: Saturday, 31
January 2009
Time: 10:00am –
12:00pm
Beneficiary: Y STARS
(YMCA Special Teens Arts & Recreation
Society) |
Y
Outings
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The
weekly Y Outings provide our beneficiaries
with opportunities to integrate with
the mainstream and equip them with simple
life skills. Outings include visits
to places of interest, educational tours
and activities such as bowling and kite
flying. |
Date:
Saturday, 10 January 2009
Time: 9:00am –
2:00pm
Beneficiary: Handicapped
Welfare Association
Date: Saturday, 31
January 2009
Time: 9:00am –
2:00pm
Beneficiary: Association
for Persons with Special Needs |
Y
Visits
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Y
Visits are conducted at the premises
of the Voluntary Welfare Organisations
whose beneficiaries are less mobile.
Through exposure to activities such
as dance and baking, they are able to
improve on the vocational, communication
and life skills taught at their respective
agencies. |
Date:
Friday, 23 January 2009
Time: 3:30pm –
5:00pm
Beneficiary: Blue
Cross Thong Kheng Home
Date: Friday, 30
January 2009
Time: 2:00pm –
4:00pm
Beneficiary: Singapore
Christian Home for the Aged
Date: Friday, 30
January 2009
Time: 2:30pm –
4:30pm
Beneficiary: Movement
for the Intellectually Disabled of
Singapore |
Y
Dance Outreach
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Y
Dance Outreach is a monthly programme
that comprises of dance workshops and
performances with the primary objective
of teaching fun and interactive dance
movements to our beneficiaries. |
Date:
Saturday, 16 January 2009
Time: 4:00pm –
5:30pm
Beneficiary: Pertapis
Children’s Home |
To volunteer for the above Y Service Programmes,
please contact Eileen Su at eileensu@ymca.org.sg.
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| FUN
& ENRICHING PROGRAMMES FOR EVERYONE! |
| Local
Programmes |
Description |
Details |
Guided
Tango Practica
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These
sessions provide the opportunity for
students to practice what was learned
in class and try out different techniques,
enabling one to master the dance in
a shorter amount of time. Our Tango
teacher will be present to answer
questions, clarify techniques and
give suggestions on how to improve
your dancing! |
Start
date: Monday, 12 January 2009
Day: Mondays
Time: 9:35pm –
11:35pm
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Fee: $12 per session |
Beginner
Acting
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This
course is tailored for anyone who wants
to learn the basic skills of acting.
Students will learn the basics of projection,
articulation, phrasing, prose and verse
readings, physical language, motivation,
body awareness and acting out a scene.
The instructor, Wong Kwang Han is a
founding member of a multi-disciplinary
arts group, Aporia Society. Some of
his acting and directing credits include
nominations for Best Script and Best
Actor Award for Urban Conversation 1
at the Life! Theatre Awards 2001. |
Start
date: Monday, 19 January 2009
Day: Mondays and Thursdays
Time: 8:35pm –
10:05pm
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Fee: $250 for 8 sessions
+ Annual YMCA membership fee of $21.40
(adults) or $10.70 (youth below 21 years). |
YMCA
Groov-Y Nights
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Spend
your Saturday evenings at YMCA and
dance the night away. Whether you
prefer simple toe-tapping moves in
true swing style or wish to be a part
of the first ever Brazilian dance
in Singapore (Forró), there’s
a party night for everyone! You will
be introduced to the basics of each
dance in a 30 minute class before
you take to the dance floor. Come
meet new friends and unwind with great
music as you join in the dance of
the happy feet. Grab your friends! |
Groov-Y
Nights: Forró
Date: Saturday 10
January
Time: 9:00pm
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Fee: $10 (public)
/ $8 (YMCA member) *includes 1 non-alcoholic
drink
Groov-Y Nights: Swing
Date: Saturday 17
January
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Fee: $8 (public)
/ $6 (YMCA member) |
Fencing
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Likened
to a physical chess game, you are
never too old to increase your powers
of concentration and think fast on
your feet. Many top professionals
such as doctors, lawyers, CEOs and
engineers have benefited much from
this sport. Under the guidance of
world class Russian coach, Maria Bobok,
you could be well on your way to becoming
a fencing champion! Maria’s
athletes swept the medals in the U12
Girls’ Foil event in the Singapore
Minime Fencing Championships 2008.
YMCA also organizes our own annual
YMCA Fencing Cup. Make your move today!
Limited vacancies! For more information
or to register, call 6586 2323 or
email melissaseet@ymca.org.sg. |
Adult
Introductory Epee
Start date: Wednesday,
7 January 2009
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 7.30 –
9.00pm
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Fee: $140 for 4 sessions
+ Annual YMCA membership fee of $21.40
(adults) or $10.70 (youth below 21
years).
*includes equipment
and apparel rental |
Aqua-Fitness
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Water
has been known for its soothing benefits,
as it calms and rejuvenates. Age, gender,
ailments or even pregnancy should not
be a barrier to enjoying a healthy water
programme. Join practicing physiotherapist,
June Chew, who is trained in WaterArt
Fitness, as she takes you through a
fun programme that increases your energy
levels, improves heart functions and
lessens chronic pain. She also conducts
individualized rehabilitation programmes
for various physical conditions such
as arthritis. |
Pre
& Post-Natal Aqua-Fitness
Day: Every Friday
Time: 9:00am –
10:00am
Venue: Farrer Park
Swimming Complex (till March 2009)
Fee: $214 for 4 sess
+ Annual YMCA membership fee of $21.40
(adult).
Hydrofitness for Health
Day: Every Friday
Time: 9:00am –
10:00am
Venue: Farrer Park
Swimming Complex (till March 2009)
Fee: $214 for 4 sess
+ Annual YMCA membership fee of $21.40
(adult). |
Ballroom
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Radiate
grace and charm, widen your social circle
and add a new dimension to your life.
Ballroom dancing is a great body-conditioner
if done on a regular basis. Learn from
experienced ballroom teacher Lucy Wang,
former Southeast Asia Professional Dance
Champion who has groomed many champions
on the ballroom scene! Take on the dance
floor with grace and confidence! |
Slow
Foxtrot
Start date: Thursday,
8 January 2009
Day: Thursdays
Time: 7.35pm –
8.35pm
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Fee: $130 for 8 sessions
+ Annual YMCA membership fee of $21.40
(adults) or $10.70 (youth below 21
years)
Revision
Start date: Thursday,
8 January 2009
Day: Thursdays
Time: 8.35pm –
9.35pm
Venue: YMCA of Singapore
Fee: $140 / 8 sessions
+ Annual YMCA membership fee of $21.40
(adults) or $10.70 (youth below 21
years) |
To find out more about our lifestyle programmes,
please contact Melissa Seet at 6586 2323
or email to melissaseet@ymca.org.sg. |
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Donate to the Y
The YMCA of Singapore endeavors to improve and change the lives of the less fortunate, including the intellectually, mentally and physically challenged, out-of-school youth, youth-at-risk, under-privileged & abused children, and the elderly. The funds raised will help us expand our reach to create a better tomorrow for those in need. So do your part today! [more]
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Y Factor
Our quarterly corporate newsletter. Read the latest issue here.
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| © Copyright 2009 YMCA of Singapore. Proudly designed by HarvestHub Design. |
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YMCA of Singapore
One Orchard Road Singapore 238824
Tel: 6586 2255 (members’ enquiries), Tel: 6336 6000 (general enquiries), Fax: 6336 8003
www.ymca.org.sg
members@ymca.org.sg
YMCA of Singapore is a Christian organization, affiliated worldwide, which seeks to serve and enrich all members of the community, regardless of race, language or religion, through wholesome programmes, to develop body, mind and spirit, which are based on Christian principles.
This message is brought to you by the YMCA of Singapore. If you wish to remove yourself from this list or update your email address, please reply to this email at members@ymca.org.sg with the word 'unsubscribe' in the subject line or provide us with your new email address.
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