Our Place in the World – a Bicentennial Fundraising Initiative for the Marginalised Communities

A Bicentennial Fundraising Initiative for the Marginalised Communities 

2019 marks Singapore’s bicentennial year. As we commemorate her accomplishments and successes as a nation, it is also important to remember the vulnerable and marginalised in our society. Extending a helping hand to these communities is one of the ways in which we can move forward together. In light of this, Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA) and arts@work, with the sponsorship of Far East Organisation and Far East Plaza, organised a fundraising photo exhibition, titled Our Place in the World. The exhibition was held in partnership with Speaker of Parliament, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, with the aim of raising funds to support 13 local charities who serve the poor and needy. 

Our Place in the World featured Mr Tan’s collection of personal photographs, taken during his travels over the years. The exhibition was launched on 31 January 2019 at Far East Plaza, Level 2 Concourse, with Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong as Guest of Honour. The launch received overwhelming support from current and former government officials, donors, representatives and supporters of the 13 charities. 

The exhibition was open to the public from 1 to 28 February 2019. There were also receptions held in February with Ministers Josephine Teo and Desmond Lee as Guests of Honour. Several Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament were also present at the receptions to show their support for the cause. 

Individuals who made donations of $10,000 received a limited-edition exclusive metal print. Donations of $5,000 received a premium photo book box set, while donations of $1,000 received a special photo book box set. Donors who contributed $50 received a postcard pack.  

The event would not have been made possible without the help of our generous sponsors, Far East Organisation and Far East Plaza. Mrs Dorothy Chan, Executive Director of Far East Organisation, also announced the setting up of a $2 million FEO Grant SG200 – to spur fundraising efforts across different charities during the bicentennial commemoration. Our Place in the World is blessed to be the first beneficiary of this grant. 

The exhibition has since successfully raised over $1.7 million. Funds will be channelled towards supporting the marginalised and often neglected communities through 13 local charities: 

• Breakthrough Missions 

• Care Corner Singapore 

• Centre for Fathering Limited 

• Club Rainbow (Singapore) 

• Gladiolus Place 

• HealthServe Limited 

• Inter-Religious Organisation Singapore 

• Life Centre Community Services 

• Mediacorp Enable Fund 

• Shine Children and Youth Services 

• The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund 

• The Bible Society of Singapore  

• The Turning Point 

PARTNERS

• arts@work 

• Speaker of Parliament, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin 

• Far East Organisation 

• Far East Plaza 

• Sower Publishers