Joint Prayers for the victims of the Tsunami and Earthquake Disasters in Japan
Sunday, 27th March 2011

The Sikh Community in Singapore is very saddened by the loss of thousands of lives the extensive damage to property in Japan caused by the tsunami and earthquake disasters followed by the power plant mishaps.
 
We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the people of Japan and in particular to the families of these victims for these losses and May the departed souls rest in peace.

In addition to the joint prayers held at Raffles Town Club on 23rd March 2011 (where a Sikh Granthi was also present and offered prayers); all the seven Sikh Gurdwaras in Singapore will be conducting short prayers for these victims and their families on Sunday 27th March 2011 at the end of their respective Sunday morning programs .

The entire Sikh Community is cordially invited to be present at any one of the Gurdwaras to participate in these prayers.

Jagjit Singh Sekhon
Chairman, Sikh Welfare Council, Singapore

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 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.

During the coming year the Sikh Welfare Council will plan on focusing on the following key areas:

• Working with Sikh institutions to identify needy families to ensure “no one falls through the crack”
• Greater Publicity of availability of SIWEC Assistance Programs
• Prioritise the Children Education Program to ensure the next generation is better taken care of and develop a buddy system fro better all round development.
• Greater Co-ordination with Gurdwaras to enhance their role in the Family Bereavement Programs.
• Matching Volunteers to the needs of SIWEC and their clients.
• Working with Gurdwaras to facilitate routine visits by the Physically Challenged Sikhs to
  the Gurdwara.
• Set up the Hearse Fund to take over management of the Hearse from CSGB.
• Consider setting up an Education Fund to provide LOANS to needy students who gain
  acceptance to universities but unable to afford (details still being worked out)

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 Annual Appreciation Tea was organized for all our SIWEC donors, volunteers and those who have contributed in any way (small or big) to show appreciation for their invaluable help and contributions. The event was held on 26 March 2011 at L4, SKA.

Mr Inderjit Singh, Member of Parliament for Ang Mo Kio GRC, graced the event as Guest-of-Honour. A photo taking event was organized and Certificates and Plaques were presented to all donors for their immense support.

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 former 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 former 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.

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.

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