Update (15 June): Reflecting the final total amount raised.
For over 50 years, the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) has held a highly anticipated May Day charity golf event. This year’s event, themed Let Love Lead, was arguably more poignant considering the two-year forced hiatus because of the pandemic.
Over 700 golfers teed off across the two 18-hole and the new 27-hole course, aptly named The New Course. The Club raised a record $1.86 million thanks to the generosity of over 50 donors, including 47 corporates. The money is benefitting 16 beneficiaries supporting various causes such as health, the community and the disabled, children, and the elderly.
We chatted with Ivan Chua, SICC Club Captain, about the recently concluded charity event.
What does Let Love Lead mean to you personally?
In these unprecedented and challenging times, we allow love to lead the way, and to support and care for the disadvantaged amongst us. Leading with love means taking actions to utilise our resources on things that give meaning and purpose, congruent with our values of providing for the needy. Every person deserves a meaningful and fruitful lifestyle.
The May Day Charity golf event has been going on for 51 years. What is the secret to keeping this initiative going on for such a long time?
It is the commitment and tenacity of members, sponsors and donors giving back to the community in a highly impactful way. They find our May Day Charity events engaging and well organised. We make giving back to the community simple, fun, and worthy.
What do you think is the appeal of the May Day Charity golf event that keeps golfers (and non-golfers) coming back, considering the glut of golf events in the country?
Our charity events are transparent in our guiding principles to support the 16 beneficiaries for a worthy cause. The camaraderie of sponsors and members coming together to play golf on our iconic and scenic golf courses and attending our sumptuous gala dinner are an exception by itself. Several other fringe activities organised by the Club’s sports fraternities allow non-golfers to do their part for the cause.
Who are some charities benefiting this year?
The Organising Committee selects the year’s beneficiaries to cover a range of benefactors such as the disabled, health, community, children and the elderly. Some of our beneficiaries this year are Dementia Singapore Limited, SUN-DAC, Yong-En Care Centre and Care Community Services Society. We had an initial target of $1m. But thanks to the hard work of the Organising Committee, Management and the generosity of sponsors, we surpassed the amount!
What are your own personal charitable initiatives that you are fond of?
All charities are worthy causes, but we have chosen charities which cater towards the vulnerable, e.g. elderly, children and those with terminal illnesses.
The team looks out for smaller charities — they have fewer resources than others but are surprisingly good at doing a lot with very little. We feel that the charity funds can support them to go that extra mile.