Offering alternative paths for youths-at-risk

Over 100 friends, family members and trainers gathered to celebrate the achievements of 73 graduates who received their certificates for completing YMCA Project Bridge’s Vocational and Soft Skills Programme (VaSSP) on 25 November at the YMCA of Singapore.

Over $800,000 raised for social causes through Citi-YMCA Youth For Causes 2016

The Citi-YMCA Youth For Causes has wrapped up its 2016 programme with a celebration of youths, organisations and stakeholders who have made outstanding contributions to the community on 15 November 2016 at the YMCA of Singapore.

The Art of Giving

At nine months old, Michelle Lee was enrolled in a special school and has been exposed to art and dance which serve as a form of therapy to improve her fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This early exposure helped cultivate and pique Michelle’s interest in art, in particular doing craftwork such as making loombands during her pastime.

Active Aging With Exuberance

Organised over two days from 29 to 30 September 2016 at Toa Payoh HDB Hub, YMCA Silver Fiesta 2016 took on an active, healthy ageing approach by encouraging the elderly to participate in exercise workouts, sports and dance to experience a greater sense of well-being.

Speaking Competition a Stepping Stone to a More Confident Self

The night before he had to make a presentation in class, Darren Tay couldn’t eat nor sleep. Fast forward 12 years, he has now become the first Singaporean to win the World Championship of Public Speaking in Washington, DC on 20 August 2016.

Remembering Mr S R Nathan

Mr S R Nathan was an Honorary Life Member of the YMCA of Singapore.

YMCA Trustee and Former President receives National Day Award

YMCA of Singapore extends its heartiest congratulations to Mr David Wong Cheong Fook for receiving the Public Service Star (Bar) as Member and Former Chairman of the Methodist Welfare Services Board of Governance at the National Day Awards 2016. 

President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive Promotes Volunteerism Through Partnership with YMCA of Singapore’s Flagship Corporate Citizenship Event

Guest-of-Honour President Tony Tan celebrates volunteerism with more than 1,100 beneficiaries, corporate and individual volunteers

As part of 2016 President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive (PCVD), YMCA of Singapore held the annual YMCA Proms @ the Park concert and carnival on Saturday, 16 July to encourage more people – both at the corporate and individual level – to volunteer their time, and contribute ideas and skills to make Singapore a more caring and compassionate society. President Tony Tan Keng Yam, Patron-in-Chief of the YMCA of Singapore, graced the event.

Singapore Cup Stacking Championship 2016

Over 200 primary school students will pit their stacking skills at the Singapore Cup Stacking Championship 2016 on Saturday 11 June at YMCA of Singapore. Jointly organised by Red Dot Explorer Pte Ltd and YMCA of Singapore, the competition aims to build self-esteem and confidence in children, enhance team building and social skills with their peers and foster bonding with family members.

Highlights of YMCA Special and Annual General Meetings 2016

The YMCA Special and Annual General Meetings were held on Thursday, 26 May 2016 at YMCA of Singapore.

400 Young Social Entrepreneurs Set To Make Waves In The Community

400 youths, with their zeal and aspirations to better the world, will be trying to make their mark through Citi-YMCA Youth For Causes (YFC), an annual social entrepreneurship and youth development programme jointly organised by YMCA of Singapore and Citi Singapore. The event, in its 14th year, was launched on Tuesday 17 May 2016, with Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Trade and Industry; Mayor, South West CDC gracing the event as the Guest of Honour.

Hitting The Greens For A Good Cause

More than $270,000 was raised for the YMCA-Lim Kim San Volunteers Programme through the 17th YMCA Charity Golf 2016 to boost the Programme's ability of developing and recognising volunteers, and promoting corporate volunteerism. The fund-raising golf event was held at Singapore Island Country Club on 12 April 2016.

“I am very moved to see the tremendous support we have received for this year’s YMCA Charity Golf tournament, and delighted to see new and familiar faces among the golfers. All of them are the benefactors of the YMCA–Lim Kim San Volunteers Programme which aims to promote volunteerism and develop the capabilities of volunteers to serve the community with excellence,” said Mr Ee Kuo Ren, Chairman, 17th YMCA Charity Golf Committee.

Building Hope Beyond Borders

A firm believer in the corporate social responsibility motto of ‘Doing Well, Doing Good’, Woh Hup (Private Limited) strives to be a good corporate citizen by providing opportunities for employees to engage in local and overseas charity work and give back to the society.

Spanning over the course of eight months from August 2015 to March 2016 from planning to execution, YMCA of Singapore partnered with The Chain Reaction Group (TCRP) to connect Woh Hup and YMCA Chiang Mai in the construction of a community facility for the elderly and youth. Named “Love and Care Centre”, the centre is located in the Sankhampeang District, approximately 25 kilometres from Chiang Mai city.

Picking Up Entrepreneurial Skills At A Young Age

To ignite their entrepreneurial spirit, 45 students from 6 YMCA Student Care Centres (SCC) at East View Primary, Hougang Primary, Oasis Primary, Sengkang Green Primary, Springdale Primary and Yio Chu Kang Primary participated in the Sengkang South Little Entrepreneurs Bazaar at Hougang Marquee N6 on 19 March 2016. Mr Gan Thiam Poh, Member of Parliament graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour. Mr Lo Chee Wen, General Secretary, YMCA of Singapore and Ms Lynette Yeo, Assistant General Secretary (Social Enterprises) were also present at the event. Together with Mr Gan, they visited the students’ booths and checked out the students’ handmade creations for sale.

Fun With Crayons

A total of 134 crayon art pieces by students of YMCA Student Care Centre (SCC) @ St Margaret’s are currently on display at the PAssionArts Community Art Gallery at Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council.

Volunteer Leaders and VWO Staff Celebrate VSMP Completion

It was a celebratory occasion as 50 graduates from the YMCA-NUS Business School Volunteer Service Management Programme 2015 received their certificates during the commencement ceremony at YMCA of Singapore on 11 March 2016. Mrs Mildred Tan, Chairman Of National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre and Advisory Council Member of YMCA of Singapore graced the occasion as the Guest-of-Honour.

A New Dawn

There were smiles all around as 23 Y STARS, five representatives from People’s Association, 17 parents and YMCA staff gathered at YMCA of Singapore on 20 February 2016 to celebrate the completion of the Y STARS’ new canvas painting series named ‘A New Dawn’. The arts project was a joint collaboration between YMCA of Singapore and PAssionArts Buona Vista to promote community arts in Singapore. The programme aims to make arts and culture more accessible to the community by bringing it right to the heart of every constituency. PAssionArts is established by People’s Association with support of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Building Each Other Up at UNIYte 2016

A total of 126 guests comprising University-YMCA NUS, NTU, SMU members, executive committee members, parents, school staff and YMCA staff came together for UNIYte 2016, University-YMCA’s Annual General Meeting on 16 January at the YMCA of Singapore. The Annual General Meeting is a time for members to come together to be aligned with the club’s direction for the new year as they move ahead, united in purpose and mission. Mr Chew Kwee San, President of YMCA of Singapore and Mr Teo Zi-Ming, Chairman of YMCA’s Youth and Volunteer Development Committee graced the occasion.

Over 140 Honoured at YMCA Awards 2016

It was a night dedicated to recognise outstanding volunteerism and philanthropy as YMCA of Singapore honoured over 140 individuals, educational institutions and corporations at the YMCA Awards 2016. Mr Chew Kwee San, President, YMCA of Singapore, hosted the event and met volunteers and donors who had given their time, effort and financial support to touch lives and lift spirits of the less privileged.

YMCA SG50 Speech Marathon – Speaking from the heart

To commemorate Singapore’s golden jubilee, the YMCA Toastmasters Club and Singapore Mandarin Toastmasters Club jointly organised the YMCA SG50 Speech Marathon in December 2015 to celebrate Singapore’s success as a multilingual and multicultural society and raise funds for YMCA’s Community Service Programmes. Mr Chan Soo Sen, who was the Guest of Honour at the inaugural Speech Marathon in 2000 returned to officiate the opening of the SG50 Speech Marathon.