Photo by Low Hai Loon
On the morning of 15 Oct, 15 beneficiaries from the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Pasir Ris welcomed the invited guests of about 300 to the annual presentation of Children’s Charities Association with vibrant songs and percussions. The annual presentation aims to recognize voluntary groups and volunteers who exhibited care and concern towards intellectually challenged children in Singapore.
Since the Children’s Charities Association's inception in 1966, its primary focus has always been to support the physically, mentally and socially disadvantaged children. It has since grown into a formal organisation with six members reaching out to more than 15,000 children annually. One of them is The Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS), which was founded in 1962 with the aim of providing equal opportunities for intellectually challenged children and ensuring their welfare.
MINDS have been working with Tzu Chi Free Clinic in Redhill for the past two years in providing dental services such as check-ups, tooth extraction, cleaning and fillings to its beneficiaries so as to maintain their oral hygiene. As these special children and young adults tend to be more sensitive and emotional, it was difficult to look for dentists who could treat them. Hence, the combination of both the dedicated medical personnel and volunteers at the Free Clinic was a relief to the parents and staff.
Each time during their visit, Tzu Chi's volunteer doctors, nurses, and volunteers would arrange interactive games to keep the MINDS beneficiaries relaxed and calm during the dental consultation. The dedicated and loving efforts impressed the MINDS management and prompted them to nominate Tzu Chi Singapore for CCA's service award this year.
The picture above shows the Foundation being conferred the MINDS Meritorious Service Award during the presentation ceremony. Representing Tzu Chi Singapore was East 2 Zone medical cadre Sister Karen Loi.
A group photo of all awarded organizations (Photo by Low Hai Loon)
The Tzu Chi volunteer doctors and nurses would plan games to educate the MINDS beneficiaries on personal hygiene and letting them learn through fun. (Photo by Chua Teong Seng)
Share 
