A VERY SPECIAL WALK 2010 FOCUS
Transcription
A VERY SPECIAL WALK 2010 FOCUS
AUTISM LINKS Newsletter of the Autism Association (Singapore) August 2010 MICA (P) 173/10/2009 FOCUS A VERY SPECIAL WALK 2010 Sister Act – A gesture of giving! Pathlight School raises funds for Eden School Pathlight is a sister school of Eden School. They are run by Autism Resource Centre (S) and Autism Association (Singapore) respectively. Since 2005, “A Very Special Walk” (AVSW) has been a fundraising event for Pathlight School. Its objective in raising funds for projects is to further enhance the integration and employability of individuals with autism into the mainstream society. As a gesture of giving back, this year’s “AVSW 2010” is dedicated to raise funds to help build a better equipped Eden School with the aim of becoming the “vocational school of choice for students with autism where potential is maximised”! On Saturday 17 July 2010, the event commenced with the arrival of The Guest of Honour, Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Manpower, who marked the start of this year’s adventure – The Hollywood Experience! Joey Kee, a student of Eden School, attentively fills up a paper cone with “Kachang Puteh”. Merchandise like stationery sets and T-shirts designed by Pathlight students were sold off at the Pathlight Mall like hot cakes. On certain occasions, entrance to the mall had to be regulated to allow those inside some space to browse and pick up items that they wish to buy. Under the name of giving, this Pathlight student raises funds for his fellow students at Eden School. Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Manpower, graces the opening of the AVSW 2010, accompanied by (back row left to right, starting from the lady in red dress), Ms Loh Wai Mooi, Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Mrs Gan, Ms Denise Phua, Supervisor of Pathlight and Eden Schools and Mr Yew Teng Leong, Chairman of Pathlight School Management Committee. Other activities that attracted lots of interest were beautiful balloon sculpturing, glamorous makeover, face painting, SpongeBob-making, water-games, flea market etc. Families and friends came together for movies and fun activities at Pathlight School, Ang Mo Kio. They had a choice of viewing indoor or outdoor movie screenings on autism related films, general feature films and cartoons. Snacks, pastries, finger-foods and drinks were prepared and sold by students and volunteers; one way of showcasing the capabilities of students from both Pathlight and Eden School. 1 A movie watching experience of its own kind – in a school hall with bean bags! This is made of balloons! No wonder it commands an endless queue to buy them… AUTISM LINKS There were plenty of photo-taking opportunities with 15 exotic Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis etc, and with movie characters like Star Wars Clone Troopers, SpongeBob SquarePants, King & Queen of Hearts, Dora the Explorer, Pirates of the Caribbean and “Jackie Chan”, when they were flaunting and parading on the red carpet – “A Very Special Walk” of the event! It was a day of fun and excitement indeed! 15 dashing exotic Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis, etc, on display! A kid version of “Pirates of the Caribbean”! This King and Queen of Hearts from “Alice in Wonderland” was so real that a kid said to them, “Welcome to Singapore!” I am a Hitman! Here I shoot! The gross amount raised before expenses is estimated to be $412,098.50! On behalf of Pathlight and Eden School, a deep appreciation is to be rendered to all the sponsors, donors (monetary as well as in kind), volunteers, participants, parents, the management and event organising committee, staff and students of Pathlight and Eden School, who cared and supported the establishment of a better learning environment for the students with autism at Eden School! This friendly “Pirates of the Caribbean”, greets the paparazzi while walking down the red carpet! Autism Association (Singapore) The Autism Association (Singapore) was set up through the initiative of a group of parents in August 1992. It became a charity under the Charities Act in January 1995. In July 1997, the Association was admitted as a member of the National Council of Social Service and granted the Institute of Public Character Status allowing it to issue tax-exempt receipts for public donations. Patron: Ho Ching Executive Committee Chairman: Ho Swee Huat Vice Chairman: Jamil Amin Hon Secretary: Margaret Chua Hon Treasurer: Tan Buck Chye 2 Committee Members: Denise Phua Chong Teik Yean Joanna Wee Lim Yue Khim Editorial Team: Charles Soh Christy Wong Jason Ang Kho Wai Leng Krish Phua Paula Teo Siti Sabariah Tan Tze Hui Autism Links is published thrice yearly by the Autism Association (Singapore) Address: 101 Bukit Batok West Avenue 3 #01-01 Singapore 659168 Telephone: 6774 6649 Fax: 6774 6957 Email: autism@singnet.com.sg Website: www.autismlinks.org.sg Opinions expressed in this publication may not necessarily reflect the official views of the association Translation: Lin Feng Printed by Chung Printing Newsletter Designer: annieqk@hotmail.com AUTISM LINKS 焦点 特别行走2010 姐妹行动 – 善心捐款活动! 新光学校为忆恩学校新校舍筹款 新光学校是忆恩学校的姐妹校。它们分属新加坡自闭症 资源中心和新加坡自闭症协会。自2005年起,“特别行 走”活动就开始为新光学校筹集善款。所筹到的款项都 用于帮助患有自闭症的学生,为他们提供全面的学习体 验,使得他们能融入主流社会及有受聘的机会。 作为回馈,今年的“特别行走2010”所筹到的善款将全 部用于为忆恩学校提供更好的装备和设施,使其能够成 为“发挥自闭症学生最大潜能的职业学校”! 2010年7月17日星期六,人力部长严金勇先生作为主 宾,为本次活动揭开了序幕。本次活动的主题是“好莱 坞体验”的慈善嘉年华会! “好莱坞体验”位于宏茂桥的新光学校举行。亲朋好友 们聚会一堂,除了观赏电影之外,他们也可以参加各项 游戏。播放的电影题材多元化,有自闭症题材的电影、 卡通动画片及其他的题材。观众可以选择在室外或室内 观赏影片。这里也成为了新光学校和忆恩学校的学生展 INTERVIEW 由新光学生设计的各类文具用品和T恤衫非常抢手。主 办当局甚至需要控制进入商场的人数,以让顾客能够再 店里从容地挑选他们心仪的物品。 其他引起广泛兴趣的活动包括:气球塑造、人物造型化 妆、脸部彩绘、制作海绵宝宝、水性游戏及跳蚤市场等 等。 来宾们还有机会与15辆名牌跑车以及各种电影角色合影 留念。到场的名车包括法拉利、蓝博基尼和玛莎拉蒂 等。“星球大战”中的克隆军、海绵宝宝、红心国王和 红心王后、爱探险的朵拉、加勒比海盗以及酷似“成 龙”的电影角色则在红地毯上尽情漫步,为“特别行 走”增添色彩。这真是充满欢乐和激情的一天! 未减除花费, 本次活动共筹得大约$412,098.50!我们 谨代表新光学校和忆恩学校,向所有赞助商、捐款者、 捐助者、志愿者、到场的参与者、家长,管理层及活动 的主办委员会和新光学校与忆恩学校的全体师生表示衷 心的感谢!感谢大家关心并支持忆恩学校的建设,为自 闭症孩子提供更优良的学习环境! Getting To Know Our Staff – Sangeetha I am into my 6th year of service at Autism Youth Centre (AYC). I was formerly a full-time actress at Vasantham Central MediaCorp. It was there that I got to know a person who was running a home with many services. As we became friends, I volunteered my services at his home whenever I had time. From there, I realized that I had an interest to work with people having learning disability. My friend recommended me to join the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore. (MINDS) I worked there for 4 years. During that time I had the opportunity to attend a conference on autism. I started doing my own research on the subject and realized that those in the youth group would need a lot of attention. That was when I decided to join AYC although I had a great time working at MINDS. I never regretted my decision. This is where we learn as we teach. One such lesson I had was with a client called Teo Wei Yang. I had a rough time with him when I first took him as my client. I thought that I was not getting anywhere with him as I could not build any 示能力的一个舞台,学生们和志愿者为来宾准备及售卖 零食,点心,小吃和饮料。 rapport with him. One day when I was feeling very sad and stressed whilst working with him, he suddenly came over and put his arm around me and said, “Geetha is sad. I do not want Geetha to be sad”. I was taken aback but it gave me a sense of assurance. I learned that with perseverance, I would be able to achieve things. I have worked with him for the past 5 years and he is one of my most successful clients today. He took part in an art competition organized by VSA and won the 2nd prize. He also took part in the Special Olympics, winning the silver medal. My reward was when I saw the pride and joy in his parents’ eyes. Another satisfaction that I get out of this job is working with the parents. The most challenging part of this job is trying to see the world through their eyes. It takes a lot of perseverance to do this job successfully. I hope to work with the youth and do whatever I can to integrate them into the society. 3 Sangeetha (left) with Teo Wei Yang AUTISM LINKS EVENTS Relocation,Visit & Excursion experience on managing and teaching people with autism back in Taiwan. THE MOVE TO EDEN SCHOOL A new chapter for AA(S) and Eden School After months of concerted preparation, Eden School and AA(S) Head Office finally moved to the newly completed school building at Bukit Batok West Avenue 3 on 23 June and 9 July 2010 respectively. Below is a sneak preview on the exterior of the new school prior to an official opening launch for members of AA(S). They shared mainly on their experience in piloting music programmes and how they managed to build a “mini” orchestra over the years. Besides the sharing and the tour, they also donated 14 copies of a book entitled Zou Chu Gu Du De Shi Jie and 2 video compact discs showcasing their students’ talent in music. OUTING AT SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE 15 students from the Singapore Management University (SMU) conducted an excursion for clients of Autism Children’s Centre as part of their post Overseas Community Service Project. The group of volunteers planned and coordinated a trip to the Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) on 25 February 2010 for 11 children with autism aged 5 to 6 years. Upon arrival, a guide from SDC led the group to the Activity Room. After introductions were made between the children and their assigned volunteers, the guide proceeded to conduct a short tour for everyone. Snacks were served at the cafe. Thereafter it was free play and exploration time at various activity and exhibit areas. By 4 pm it was time to go home. The group assembled and took the bus back to ACC Clementi. That was not the end as the SMU volunteers surprised the kids by presenting them with gifts @ Block A Banana Classroom. Kudos to the volunteers for a job well done as they had put in a lot of effort and time in ensuring the success of the event. The children had so much fun that they were able to remember their assigned volunteers and the activities when the outing was brought up as a topic for recall in class. It’s break time at the SDC café!! AA(S) Head Office is now located at 101 Bukit Batok West Avenue 3 #01-01 Singapore 659168 A VISIT BY KAO HSIUNG AUTISM FOUNDATION On 25 November 2009, two representatives from the Kao Hsiung Volunteers presenting the gifts they bought to the children at the end of the outing… Youth Centre (AYC). They toured AYC’s premises and shared their More pictures are available on our website. 4 Autism Foundation, Mrs Heng and Ms Lin Mei Shu visited Autism AUTISM LINKS Meeting,Talks and Games EVENTS FUN @ WEST COAST PARK 17th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Autism Association (Singapore)’s AGM for this year is a memorable one as it was the first event to be held at the new Eden School along Bukit Batok West Avenue 3. The AGM was conducted on 26 June 2010. Prior to that, the Special Needs Trust Company (SNTC) gave a talk on the topic of its trusteeship scheme which illustrates the assistance from SNTC in helping caregivers set up a trust fund to provide for the future financial and care needs of their loved ones. The Autism Children’s Centre (Clementi & Simei), organised an outing for their clients and families at West Coast Park on a Saturday morning, 10th April 2010. There were game stalls set up by volunteers and teachers e.g. face painting, golf, ball throw – cans & ‘mouth’ etc, as well as large group games like parachute play. Goodie bags were distributed to each family. Each child received a sculpture balloon sponsored by Partylicious.sg. There were also gift packs at each game stall. Although the children were unable to play at the Adventure Playground and the Sand Play area due to heavy rain, they were able to continue with some of the big group games under the tentage set-up. A variety of finger food (halal, non-halal and GFCF type) was brought by parents as pot luck. The event was wrapped up earlier because of the continuous rain. We would like to thank the volunteers from SingCapital Pte Ltd, friends, parents and teachers for their participation and help. A parent posing a question during the “Q & A” session after the talk by SNTC. The AGM proceeded with Mr Ho Swee Huat and Ms Denise Phua, Chairman and Executive Committee Member of AA(S) respectively, sharing the progresses, performances and future plans for the two Children’s Centres,Youth Centre and Eden School. Teachers, parents and clients mingling at the big tentage set-up for the outing. More pictures are available on our website. OT TALK BY KIDZ POTC Mr Ho (right), Chairman of AA(S), presenting a drawing created by an Eden School student, as a token of appreciation to the SNTC speaker, Mr Joshua Ng An election was held to pick the new team of AA(S) Executive Committee (EC) for the period June 2010 to June 2012. The members appointed are as follows: Chairman: Mr Ho Swee Huat Vice-Chairman: Mr Jamil Amin Hon. Secretary: Ms Margaret Chua Hon. Treasurer: Mr Tan Buck Chye EC Member: Ms Denise Phua Ms Joanne Wee Mr Chong Teik Yean Mr Lim Yue Khim AA(S) would like to take the opportunity to welcome Mr Chong and Mr Lim into the new Executive Committee. At the same time, AA(S) would also like to express a heart-felt appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by Mr Siew Heng Kwok and Ms Eu Chin Fen who have stepped Ms Denise Phua, AA(S) EC Member outlines the future plan for the three down from the Committee. Centres and Eden School. The first OT talk by Kidz POTC this year was held concurrently for ACCSimei and ACC-Clementi on 24 March 2010. The evening talk saw a total of 44 parents attending (31 in Simei and 13 in Clementi). The refreshments were kindly sponsored by Kidz POTC too. Parents came in good spirit and went away wiser and better informed. The topic for the talk was “Self-Regulation – The Sensory Diet”. Participants learnt about how to individualize a sensory diet for their child and the relevance of observing and monitoring their child’s sensory needs throughout the day. Many questions were raised and answered during the Q & A session. All in all, the talk was a fruitful one. One parent was pleased with what she had gained and commented that she would attend the next talk by Kidz POTC again. (from far left) Alison, Elisa & Alvin - Occupational Therapists from Kidz POTC conducting the talk at ACC – Simei 5 AUTISM LINKS BOOK CLIP Daily Life Therapy,Volume 1 Japanese and is now translated into English. Author: Kiyo Kitahara Publisher: Nimrod Press Kiyo Kitahara had no formal education in autism studies She began teaching autistic children without prior training. This book describes her initial reaction to autism and her perseverance in teaching autistic children despite Japan’s negative view on autism during that time. From her struggles and toils, numerous observations and experiences, she began to develop a unique method of helping those under her charge daily. Daily Life Therapy Volume 1 is a journal of the initial years of the Daily Life Therapy programme, which originates from Japan. Its founder, Kiyo Kitahara, describes her initial struggles and experience with autism and the building of an elementary school (Musashino Higashi Gakuen, in Japan) for both typical and autistic children. It was originally written in 书籍 简介 The Daily Life Therapy that she founded is based on her years of experience teaching both autistic and typical children in kindergarten and elementary school. This book describes the philosophy and beliefs that she had when teaching and how they evolved over the years of experience. It can be read like a heart-warming novel. Medical or psychiatry jargons are hardly found in this book, making it easy to read and understand. 日常生活治疗法 / 卷1 作者: Kiyo Kitahara 作 出版社: Nimrod 出版社 出 《日常生活治疗法 / 卷1》记录了“生活治疗法”刚产 生时的初期经验。该治疗法由日本的Kiyo Kitahara最早 提出。她在本书中描述了她面对自闭症儿童时所经历的 初期挣扎与经验,以及如何建立起一所兼容普通孩子和 自闭症孩子的学校(武藏野东学园)。原文由日文写作, 现已翻成英文。 SHARE A TIP Characteristics of an Appropriate Leisure Skill Activity C An optimal leisure skill program (activity) should include: 1. A philosophical base of normalization that promotes the integration of handicapped with non-handicapped persons Parents and teachers should provide a person with autism (or handicap) the opportunity to engage in leisure activities which are comparable to those of their non-autistic peers (normalization principle). Applying this principle involves taking steps to reduce the “differentness” in both appearance and performance of disabled persons while simultaneously expanding the public’s degree of acceptance for differentness. Another key is the integration of only a limited number of participants with autism in an activity as their typical peers tend to be more likely to exhibit greater tolerance and acceptance if their numbers are small. Do note that successful involvement of disabled persons with typical peers is the ultimate goal of the normalization process. 2. Modifications of equipment, rules, skill sequences and 6 facilities when necessary Kiyo Kitahara没有接受过与自闭症相关的正规教育, 在 教育自闭症儿童前也没有得到相关训练。本书描述了她 对自闭症的最初反应, 以及她如何克服当时日本社会对 自闭症的负面印象而坚持教育自闭症儿童。 通过努力 和探索, 以及无数次的观察与体验, 在每天照顾孩子的 过程中, 她开始发展出一套特殊的方法。 根据在幼儿园和小学教育普通和自闭症孩子的多年经 验, 她发明了“日常生活治疗法”。本书介绍了她的教 育哲学和信念, 及其随着经验增加而产生的演化。本书 几乎没有医学或精神病学的专业术语, 通俗易懂, 读来 似一本感人的小说。 Another major characteristic of an appropriate recreation program for individuals with autism is participation. In many leisure activities for youths with autism, the activities were too passive in nature and the youths are not included. Equipment used in a recreational activity is frequently a barrier to participation because they are primarily design by and for non-handicapped individuals. However, equipment can be adapted. An effective way to teach a person with severe autism is to break the skill down into small component steps. These actions are identified through an analysis of the task itself and then sequenced in a logical order. While physical modifications reduce barriers to utilization, the person using the equipment or facility must not at the same time be separated from interacting with the community in general. No person would stand out as being very different. 3. A behavioral approach to training The methods component of instruction programs refers to the procedures and activities used to train in the desired skills. It must be emphasized that training and specific leisure skill instruction must take place for the person with severe autism to learn. It cannot be assumed that individuals with severe behavior and/or learning AUTISM LINKS deficits will simply “pick up” leisure activities. Leisure skills must be trained. an implicit assumption made that children with severe autism will automatically generalize the skill to other community environments. Yet we know that this inference cannot usually be made. Therefore leisure instruction must actually take place in the community. 4. Generalisation of training To special educators, a popular setting for teaching leisure and recreation skills is the classroom. For parents, it is the home. There is EVENTS FOCUS This Share-a-Tip is adapted from Wehman, P. Recreation and leisure needs: A community integration approach. In E. Schopler & G. B. Mesibov (Eds.), Autism in Adolescents and Adults (pp. 111-132). New York: Plenum Press. Fund Raising On display was a spread of sample art pieces such as refrigerator magnets, envelopes, bookmarks, framed stain glass art pieces and greeting cards, etc, made by clients of AYC under the guidance of the Class Trainers. GIVE-A-HAND 2010 by Community Chest The “Give-A-Hand” (GAH) event organised by the Community Chest at Tiong Bahru Plaza, was warmly participated by Eden School and Autism Youth Centre (AYC) on 20 and 21 March 2010 respectively. Besides being a platform to create awareness on autism and to introduce the programmes conducted by AA(S), the event provides a channel to showcase and raise funds by selling the clients’ handicraft work. The beautiful art and craft drawings created by students of Eden School and clients of AYC amazed many people. Art pieces created by the Eden School students attracted a lot of interest ! DONATION BY COMBI (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD Representatives of COMBI (Singapore) Pte Ltd were given a tour of the Autism Children’s Centre at Simei on 11 March 2010. Following a briefing on the programmes and services offered at the centre, the company generously donated S$1,100.00 to the centre. The event captivated many audiences from all walks of life. AA(S) Senior Manager, Ms Paula Teo, receiving the $1,100.00 cheque from representatives of COMBI (Singapore) Pte Ltd. One of the creative artworks from an Eden School student Acknowledgement of Donors (Mar to Jun 2010) Company / Event Donors (above $200) Estate of Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat The Singapore Ireland Fund Limited Tote Board Social Service Fund Donation-President’s Challenge 2009 SICC May Day Charity 2010 Golf Republic The Keppel Club Combi (Singapore) Pte Ltd Straits Law Practice LLC Country City Investment Pte Ltd Siem Seng Hing & Company (Pte) Ltd Safer Wireline Operations Research & Devt Pte Ltd Supratechnic Pte Ltd $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $250,000.00 $150,000.00 $20,000.00 $6,800.00 $3,141.53 $1,100.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $500.00 $350.00 $250.00 Individual Donors (above $200) Leong Wah Kheong Stuart Crow Ong Rui Juan Boh Tuan Siang $10,000.00 $5,000.00 $4,135.00 $2,000.00 Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara Foo Chik Yang Tan Beng Tat Carina Tan Huay Mien Hiroshi Magata Hwang Nian Chih Shia Yang Lik Ng Kian Loo Eugene Szeto Yang Ai Lan Leong Chiu Ming Lim Jing Wei Ng Giak Pin Ng Kian Aik Ng Kian Hwa Oh Boon Soon Seah Siew Kiang Janice Foo Jong Kwee Tan Hai Kang Anonymous Chan Mui Leng Deng Yihan Lisa Barnes Neubronner Colette Marie $2,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $972.00 $600.00 $600.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $400.00 $400.00 $365.00 $300.00 $300.00 $300.00 $300.00 Priscilla Tan Teo Sien Peng Gerard Lau Chin Wei Sharmaine Lynette Khoo Siew Lynn Jana Lee Kuan Siew Weng Ong Kok Leong $300.00 $300.00 $286.00 $251.45 $250.00 $250.00 $228.00 Donors (up to $200) Chia Wee Sing Chia Yew Hock Chong Siew Yoke Deviana Francis Xavier Goh Hui Hoon Har Kok Fei Ho Su Leng Jimmy Ong Lee Chung Yeow Lee Jiann Bao Lee Wee Wah Lee Wen Long Lim Gim Choo Lim Kia Jui Jason Seow Beng May Lim Lay Ching Shin Hyun Eui Lim Jit Min Ling Sow Kheng Shirin Kamsir Sim Pei Pei Loo Wai Kan Low Kah Keong Willy Cahyadi Wong Kae Moe Low Kim Sun Yim Tai Wai David Mohd Saleem Tan Hwee Peng Mohit Singh Tan Poh Yong Ng Hon Keat Vanda Leong Ng Teong Soon Oe Khoon Hwee Sabaratnam Mathanavalli Ong Guat Cheng Wee Cheong Ban, David Peter Wan Quek Ai Boon Margaret C Heng Cheng Choo 7 AUTISM LINKS EVENTS FOCUS DONATIONS TO THE EDEN SCHOOL BUILDING FUND More donations were received from caring organisations from the drive initiated by AA(S) and Eden School. “The Singapore-Ireland Fund” for the set-up of the Bake Room at the new Eden School on 21 May 2010 Donation: $250,000.00 Thumbs-up for the Bake Room at the new Eden School (from left to right: Mrs Lai, Principal of Eden School, Dr Richard O’Brien, Ambassador of Ireland to the Republic of Singapore, Ms Denise Phua, Eden School Supervisor, Mr Gerry Creamer and Mr Donnacha Rahill, both from The Singapore-Ireland Fund Board). “Golf Republic First Anniversary Charity Tournament” at NSRCC Kranji Sanctuary Golf Course on 18 June 2010 Donation: $6,800.00 On behalf of Eden School, Mr Krish Phua, Manager, Corporate Services, receiving the third donation from Golf Republic from Ms Margaret, a co-founder of Golf Republic. Fund Raising Raising Fund for Eden School These four kind-hearted individuals extended a helping hand to Eden School through their own specialties and talents! “Hearts and Hands – Charity Project 2010” Donation: $13,343.00 Ms Sharmaine Lau and Ms Ong Rui Juan embarked on their very first fund-raising project on 10 April 2010 at a shop along Dempsey Road, by selling mouth-watering cakes and pastries freshly baked by them. The sales proceed for the day was donated to Eden School Building Fund. The organisers and avid bakers of “Hearts and Hands” (from left) Ms Sharmaine Lau and Ms Ong Rui Juan (holding a child) with Ms Sharon Friberg (right), who offered the use of her shop premises and contributed eyewear for the fund-raising event. “6.5km Open Sea Swimathon 2010” Donation: $10,000.00 With the objectives of promoting awareness on autism locally and also raising the Eden School Poor and Needy Fund, Mr Peter Ng participated for the first time in the 6.5 km open sea swimathon 2010. The swim from Kapas Island to mainland Marang, Terengganu in Malaysia was held on 18 April 2010. It was a tough yet fabulous swim for Peter who completed it in 3 hours 20 minutes, a feat indeed for men under age 49. About 70 swimmers did not complete the distance within the 4 hours 30 minutes cut off time due to the weather condition and strong current at the later part of the race. “The Singapore Island Country Club May Day Charity 2010” at SICC’s Bukit location on 25 June 2010 Donation: $20,000.00 Mr Peter Ng, with a strong stamina and determination, posing with a confident smile! Credit Suisse - Run for a Cause Donation: $3,000.00 (comprising of $1510, $1390 and $100 to Building Fund, Poor and Needy Fund and Operating Expenses of Eden School respectively). President Nathan, Guest-of-Honour for the event, presenting a cheque to Mr Jamil Amin,Vice-Chairman of AA(S). Other contributions were received from the following organisations: - $150,000.00 from the President’s Challenge 2009 on 11 May 2010 - $250,000.00 from the Estate of Tan Sri Khoo Teck Puat on 17 May 2010 - The first $250,000.00 of the pledged $500,000.00 from the Tote Board received on 22 June 2010 - $250,000.00 from the Lee Foundation on 28 June 2010 Ms Magdalene Siew from Credit Suisse AG challenged her physical and mental tolerance to the fullest by participating in the Sundown Ultra-Marathon on 29 May 2010.There she ran 84 km; an equivalent to two marathons back to back! Her motivation for competing in this grueling event was to appeal for donation for Eden School from her colleagues at Credit Suisse! Ms Magdalene Siew, a superwoman with a heart of gold! 8