04
August
2015
|
18:21
Asia/Singapore

United in giving

Flag Day raised funds for 19 beneficiaries

More than 5,000 NUS students woke up at the crack of dawn on 4 August for Flag Day. Held annually as part of the NUS Students' Union Freshmen Orientation Programme, the signature event sees students from Halls of Residence and schools venture across the island to seek donations from the public.

Braving the stormy weather, the students proudly flew the flag of their respective halls and schools high for a selfless cause, while standing united in the spirit of giving and community. For Year 3 Economics student Ong Ding Liang, who is the Chairperson of Temasek Hall's Flag Day, it was the interaction with the beneficiaries that spurred him to get involved. "It reminded me of how fortunate I was and the need to give back to society, he said.

He also found the participation by alumni particularly encouraging. "It showed that they shared the same sentiments. It is inspiring to see that the meaning of Flag Day is something that lingers even after graduation. More than 200 Temasek Hall residents and alumni had eagerly answered the call for volunteers. With much of the preparation completed months earlier, the Hall prepped the Flag Day participants with just a final briefing the night before, ensuring they would have enough rest before the long day ahead. 

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Temasek Hall residents gearing up for Flag Day bright and early

The donations raised from Flag Day will go towards the less privileged in society. St. Andrew's Autism School, Fei Yue Family Service Centre, The Singapore Cheshire Home and Lions Befrienders are some of the 19 beneficiaries this year supported by the Community Chest, the fundraising and engagement arm of Singapore's National Council of Social Service. Under the Care & Share Movement led by Community Chest, every dollar raised during Flag Day will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the government.  

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Contributing to a worthy cause