Over 120 Golfers for 120 Years of Strengthening Volunteers: YMCA Charity Golf 2022
Over 120 esteemed guests golfed in support of the YMCA-Lim Kim San Volunteers programme at the YMCA 22nd Charity Golf 2022, held at Tanah Merah Country Club on 18 March. Together, they raised over $205,000 for the programme, which recruits volunteers and enhances their capabilities to carry out social service with excellence. This year was particularly significant as the YMCA of Singapore celebrates the 120th anniversary of serving the community.
Throughout the past 120 years, the YMCA mobilised volunteers in local and international community service programmes. Locally, the YMCA strengthens youth volunteers and leaders, youth-at-risk and youth with special needs to become independent and effective contributors to society through a myriad of initiatives. Last year, their YMCA Special Needs Inclusive Challenge saw over 800 members of the public come together to raise funds and awareness for YMCA programmes for youth with special needs. In another programme, the YMCA Youth for Causes, provided seed funding and mentorship to 280 students who raised over $415,000 to benefit 39 Social Service Agencies (SSAs).
Internationally, the YMCA conducts social service projects in the region in countries including Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Nepal, among others. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their international service programmes have been taking place virtually in the form of cultural and skills exchange with overseas communities.
The YMCA 22nd Charity Golf 2022 raised funds for the YMCA-Lim Kim San Volunteers Programme, which includes the YMCA-NUS Business School Volunteer Service Management Programme, a professionally certified course that imparts knowledge and skills to volunteers and the annual YMCA-Lim Kim San Volunteer Awards Night, which recognises and celebrates volunteer contributions to encourage long-lasting impact-making.
“Volunteers play an essential role in the success of any community service initiative. It is important to strengthen their helping hands so they are able to uplift those in need most effectively,” said Mr Steve Loh, General Secretary & CEO, YMCA of Singapore.
“We are moved by the continued support of our partners, volunteers, and guests. We would like to thank all who made this event possible. By strengthening our volunteers, we hope to continue serving those in need and to build a more inclusive Singapore of tomorrow,” said Mr Ee Kuo Ren, Chairman, YMCA Charity Golf Resource Panel.
Contributed by Sim Yu Xiang