Three Ex Inmates Counselled by SIWEC Receive Awards

The awards, part of the Yellow Ribbon Project, recognise former offenders who are committed to their recovery and have put to good use the second chances given to them.

Two inmates received: Certificate of Achievement

This award is given to Ex-offenders who have not relapsed or re-offended for at least three years2 after their release from incarceration and/or Half Way House They should have good employment record and demonstrate a sense of responsibility to their families.

One inmate received: Certificate of Merit Achievement

This is given to outstanding ex-offenders who have remained crime and drug-free for at least five years and stood out in their efforts to upgrade themselves and their involvement in community work.

Sikh Welfare Council was allotted a Flag Day on Saturday, 20th August 2011 by the National Council of Social Services. This year we saw an increase in total participation with over 760 volunteers going island wide and conducting the collection. We had more volunteers from outside the Sikh Community and this is an encouraging development. Donations collected: $50,835.

Special thanks goes to Greendale Secondary School, Cedar Girl’s Secondary School, Monfort Secondary School, Fuchun Secondary School, Young Sikh Association Singapore, Singapore Sikh Education Foundation, Silat Road Sikh Temple, Yishun Gurdwara, Khalsa Dharmak Sabha, Central Sikh Temple and Khalsa Kindergarten for their generous support.

The Sikh Welfare Council held a fund raising event on 14th August 2011 at Shangri La to raise funds for the charitable activities. The high tea event was titled Aa Phir Dekehn Zaraa (Come let’s see, once again) and raised S$ 25,000. Around 350 guests attended the show which included music, dance and a fashion and jewellery show by PureEarth and the Jewel Box – and donated wholeheartedly at an auction which followed. Member of Parliament from Holland- Bukit Timah GRC, Ms Sim Ann was the guest of honor at the event.

Two Welfare Days were held at Silat Road Sikh Gurdwara on Saturday, 9 July 2011 and Sri Guru Nanak Sat Sang, Katong Gurdwara on Sunday, 10 July 2011, to enable the Sikh Welfare Council (SIWEC) to brief the Sangat on our programmes and activities. It was an opportunity for Sangat to make a commitment for monthly contributions to be made to SIWEC through Bank deductions through the GIRO system, or to make cash donations. Donations collected: $4,482. A Basic Health Screening, Blood Pressure and Sugar level checks was also held at Katong Gurdwara as part of the event.

Marking its’ 80th Anniversary, Singapore Khalsa Association (SKA) proudly celebrated Vesakhi Mela 2011 on 24th April 2011 at SKA premises. Vesakhi is the most important occasion for the Sikh community. Mr George Yeo, Minister of Foreign Affairs graced the event as Guest of Honor. The Mela started at 8a.m with field games and continued with a variety of stage performances, family events and cultural events.

SIWEC had 2 stalls throughout the day selling cold Drinks and mitaai, which was donated by Khalsa Dharmak Sabha’s sewadaras. The stalls were manned by Volunteers, Management Committee members and SIWEC Secretariat. Funds collected: S$3,052.

President S R Nathan presented autographed copies of his book “Winning Against The Odds” to 17 members of the Sikh Welfare Council at the Istana on 18 April 2011. The 17 members had each bought a copy of the book for $10,000 which helped raise $170,000 to support the SIWEC’s programs for the needy. About 30 Sikh and non-Sikh families are getting help and support from these programs.

Some, maybe riddled with admiration, asked how we have managed to pull off this feat. The answer is simple – we care for our community and we are here to serve them.

The Charity Dinner and Dance event was held on 9th April 2011 at Gurame Restaurant Changi Coast Walk. The event was attended by more than 300 guests who helped in the good cause to raise about $12,000 for SIWEC.

Special thanks go to all the volunteers who helped make the event a resounding success.