The SCS Great Singapore Duck Race 2007
EIGHTY-FIVE THOUSAND rubber ducks swam down the Singapore River in the SCS Great Singapore Duck Race 2007 on Sept 9.
Each had been “adopted” at $10 by members of the public. A total of $850,000 was raised for seven charities, including two Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) centres – Tampines Family Service Centre (TFSC) and the Methodist Children and Youth Centre (MCYC).
This year’s race was sponsored by Singapore Computer Services (SCS) in celebration of its 40th anniversary. It may well be the last one here as there will no longer be a tide to power the ducks once the Singapore River is dammed.
A highlight at the race was a performance by 19-year-old Ernie Tan whose knife-juggling and fire-eating acts wowed the crowd.
Ernie is an example of a disillusioned youth whose life has been turned around with the help of TFSC’s Guidance Programme. The programme comprises counselling, group work, outdoor activities and training in circus skills.
It was the encouragement he received when he performed for the first time in 2004 that made him think about the direction for his life.
He is now an accomplished juggler and won third place in the World Juggling Day Competition in 2005. He continues to perform at various events.
TFSC will use its share of the funds to run programmes for low-income families, marriage preparation and enrichment programmes, programmes for step-families, support groups, niche programmes with schools and youth outreach programmes.
MCYC’s share will be used to subsidise children from underprivileged backgrounds who require but are unable to afford psychological assessment, and the Learning Centre programme. The latter caters to children who have learning difficulties, some of whom come from learning-disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mylene Koh is the Manager, Communications and Fund-Raising at the Methodist Welfare Services.
