Singapore Government Press Release

Assoc Prof Bernard Tan, Dean of Students

Mr Lim Kok Eng, National Council of Social Service Board of Directors

Master of Halls

Good morning

I am very happy to be here for this Charity Run. This project provides an excellent opportunity for all six halls to come together and do your bit for charity. Amidst the frenzy of academic work and hall activities, you have shown that all it takes is a bit of sacrifice, some careful planning and lots of enthusiasm to raise funds for the less fortunate.

By your mere presence here, all of you are contributing to the success of this Run. Still others have contributed by making generous donations. Every contribution, whether big or small, is significant and will go a long way towards helping the beneficiaries of Community Chest. The Community Chest has 53 charitable organisations under its umbrella and active fund-raising is required to support these charities. The money raised will be well used.

Besides raising funds for Community Chest, I believe that this first ever combined halls� Charity Run has also served to foster a sense of community service among hostelites. I hope this sense of community service will stay with you even after you leave the varsity and join the working world.

Too many of us are constrained by the stereotypical notions of community service. We tend to think of volunteerism as visiting old folks homes and the disabled. This is a rather narrow view of community service. Community service encompasses much more. There are many avenues for involvement in community work. I would encourage you to be creative and find your own niche. It could, for instance, be providing your professional expertise such as legal advice or technical know how to non-government or voluntary welfare organisations. Soon, you will be professionals with valuable skills and knowledge. I know that many non-profit agencies are eager to tap on your professional expertise and knowledge. It could be offering free tuition to kids in your neighbourhood, or dropping in to visit the old lady next door when her family is at work. It need not take a lot of time. Everyone should simply contribute in whatever way they can, in whatever way is meaningful to them. What matters is that your heart is in the right place. Helen Keller said, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen, nor touched� but are felt in the heart." Let me assure you that community service will enrich your lives.

Beyond matters of the heart, you must understand the importance of community work before you can be motivated to sustain your involvement. We need to recognise that the well being of society depends very much on the contribution of all Singaporeans. It is when we realise that everyone has a role in making our society what it is, that we take an important step forward. Your motto for today�s event, "A small step for men, a great leap for charity" is indeed very apt and meaningful. But perhaps, we can add a little modification to this motto. After today�s Charity Run, I trust you will see that you have taken "A small step for men, but a great leap for the community".

Let me close by congratulating the 6 Halls for coming up with this charity initiative.

I wish all of you a good run.