In 2006 Far East Organization continued to contribute to various charity causes. We present here highlights of our major community programmes.

Our Executive Director, Mrs Dorothy Chan, for the third time led efforts by the Cairnhill Community Club and Jamiyah Singapore to collect and ship a container load of used items including clothes, curtains, quilts, and toys, to the Indian Leprosy Foundation and Shalom Foundation for distribution to the needy.

Ten youths associated with the Shalom Foundation were also sponsored by Mrs Chan for higher studies and technical training courses.

Thirdly in September 2006, Mrs Chan as Chairman of the organising committee together with Vice-Chairman, Mrs Margaret Wee, raised $1.5 million during the Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s Fund Raising Gala Dinner 2006.

This event was graced by Singapore Chinese Orchestra patron Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

In July 2006, Caring Hearts, Far East Organization's community service programme, adopted the Lakeside Family Centre as our corporate charity partner. The year-long programme will support the initiatives by the Lakeside Family Centre to reach out to needy families in the community.

Far East Organization works with Lakeside Family Centre to roll out a series of social activities. Last year, clients of Lakeside Family Centre were invited to our Family Day at Sentosa on 26 August, and enjoyed a movie treat, Charlotte's Web, on 23 December. We also acquired furniture, including chairs, a bookshelf, cabinet, refrigerator and lounge set for the centre, as well as games for the children. In addition, we contributed $3,000 cash to the Lakeside Family Centre Christmas Appeal for distribution to needy families.

More exciting programmes are in store for our friends from the Lakeside Family Centre this year. These include a Chinese New Year Luncheon and Team Building Programme at Changi Village Hotel on 10 February and field trip to the zoo on 10 March, and many others.

Lakeside Family Centre started operation in 1993. In 1997 it officially registered as a society, and a year later, as a charity organisation. Lakeside Family Centre is approved by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, a full member of the National Council of Social Service.

It provides a whole spectrum of services that serve the community, from children, youths, adults to the whole family. It also offers counselling services and volunteer development.

“Far East Organization actively supports community projects that promote the interests of the communities we live and work in. In selecting Lakeside Family Centre we want to participate in an organisation that has been providing care and services to families and individuals in need.”
 
“We look forward to offering our skills, time and financial resources to the centre; we hope to make a difference,”

- Shaw Lay See, Assistant Director,
Sales & Marketing (Serviced Residences) and Chairperson of Caring Hearts.

“We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation to you, Mrs Dorothy Chan, for taking so much interest and making so much efforts to send such good items to the needy people…

The staff and leaders of Shalom Foundation asked me to tell you that they are appreciative of your act of kindness,”

- Mr M. Jayapaul of The Shalom Foundation in a letter to Mrs Chan.

About Caring Hearts
Caring Hearts formed in 2002, is an extension of Far East Organization's commitment toward strengthening the fabric of the community and creating a positive impact on the well-being of the society. It garners the collective time, efforts and financial resources of the Organization and its employees to drive a sustained programme of engaging and caring for the needy and underprivileged in the community.