11
August
2018
|
21:33
Asia/Singapore

NUS students raise record S$581,000 for charity

Students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have raised a record high of more than S$581,000 through the NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) Rag and Flag 2018. The donations will benefit 21 charity programmes supported by Community Chest.

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NUS President Professor Tan Eng Chye (fourth from left) and NUSSU President Mr Jeffrey Lee Zi Quan (third from left) presenting the cheque of more than $581,000 raised to Ms Charmaine Leung, Managing Director, Community Chest (sixth from left), witnessed by Minister for Education Mr Ong Ye Kung (fifth from left). 

The annual Rag and Flag, organised by NUSSU, is a unique tradition established since the 1950s to encourage the NUS community to contribute towards improving the welfare of the needy and less privileged. 

This year, about 7,700 NUS students visited various parts of Singapore on Flag Day, which took place on 6 August 2018, to collect donations from members of the public in support of the beneficiaries. The charity effort culminated in the Rag Day which was held earlier today. Madam Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore and NUS Chancellor, attended the event as the Guest-of-Honour, while Mr Ong Ye Kung, Minister for Education, was a Special Guest at the event. 

As a show of appreciation to the community for their generous support, some 2,000 NUS students put up a games carnival and enthralled spectators with vibrant performances and displays. Themed “Reigniting our Flair”, the event featured 11 captivating performances by NUS students decked out in dazzling hand-made costumes, as well as intricately-decorated thematic props and mobile displays which were constructed by the students using recycled materials.

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Students from the NUS Business School entertained the crowd with their dynamic and colourful dance performance at NUSSU Rag Day 2018.

Mr Jeffrey Lee Zi Quan, President of NUSSU, said, “Since the 1950s, NUSSU Rag and Flag has consistently advocated the spirit of giving back to our wider community. We are proud of this unique tradition that has been nurtured and commemorated by the NUS community. Through the hard work put into preparing both Flag Day and Rag Day, NUS freshmen and seniors have forged new bonds, fostered teamwork and inculcated the spirit of volunteerism. I hope that this rewarding experience of working together to make a positive impact to those around us will continue to inspire our freshmen and seniors to keep up their excellent effort of helping those in need.”

The proceeds from this year’s NUSSU Rag and Flag will benefit 21 charity programmes supported by Community Chest. These beneficiaries are: 

1.    Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre Community Services - Youth Infinity
2.    Autism Resource Centre (Singapore)
3.    AWWA 
4.    Club HEAL  
5.    Fei Yue Community Services 
6.    Fei Yue Family Service Centre
7.    HCA Hospice Care
8.    HealthServe
9.    Lighthouse School 
10.    Lions Befrienders Service Association (Singapore)
11.    Metta Welfare Association 
12.    MINDS - Fernvale Gardens School 
13.    MINDS - Lee Kong Chian Garden School 
14.    MINDS - Ang Mo Kio Training & Development Centre 
15.    MINDS - Clementi Training & Development Centre
16.    Pathlight School 
17.    SHINE Children and Youth Services
18.    Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped 
19.    SPD 
20.    The Salvation Army - Prison Support Services - Kids In Play
21.    TOUCH Community Services Limited - Yishun 436 and Yishun 162 TOUCH Senior Activity Centres

Since 2000, NUS students have raised more than S$8 million in donations for Singapore beneficiaries through the annual NUSSU Flag and Rag events. In recognition of their dedication and outstanding efforts, NUSSU has been receiving the Community Chest Special Events Gold or Platinum Awards on an annual basis since 2003. Last year, NUSSU received the Community Chest Awards 2017 Special Events Platinum Award and the 15-Year Outstanding Special Events Award.