SINGAPORE, 24 February 2023 – It was about eight years ago when Mr Lee W.C had to amputate his leg due to cancer. Now, the 65-year-old relies on his prosthetic leg to move around. Acquiring a disability in mid-life was a physically and mentally taxing ordeal for Mr Lee, who had to adapt to navigating life as a person with mobility challenges. Through this experience, he could relate to the challenges that people with disabilities face and the work that disability-focused charity SPD does. This strengthened his resolve to continue donating to SPD, which he has been doing regularly since 2008.

“More often than not, disability is not something one is prepared for nor think about. Helping a newly-disabled person to return to a life of some form of normalcy becomes key. I hope that my contributions can help people with disabilities to have a shot at being more self-confident, and more active and engaged in society,” said Mr Lee.

In recognition of his sustained giving and support for the disability community, Mr Lee was one of 24 donors lauded at the SPD Donor Appreciation Reception this evening. Held at the Istana, the event was hosted by President Halimah Yacob, who is also SPD’s patron.

Another long-time donor honoured was NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd, a partner of SPD since 2007. With a strong conviction that education will pave the way for children to have a brighter future, NatSteel has, to date, contributed over $1 million to support students with disabilities. Over 1,000 NatSteel-SPD Bursary Awards were given out over the last 16 years. Besides the bursaries, NatSteel also supported youth with disabilities from disadvantaged families through empowerment awards and mentorship opportunities.

“Making a difference in the lives of fellow Singaporeans is no less important than contributing to the economic success of the nation. We are grateful for the fulfilling and meaningful 16 years of partnership with SPD. It is an absolute delight to see how our contributions have uplifted many youths with disabilities. The building of a more caring and inclusive society requires all hands on deck, and we encourage other corporates to join us in empowering the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society.” said Ms Tan Man Ee, NatSteel’s Chief Operating Officer.

“The donors whom we are honouring today are a great testament to the generosity of Singaporeans who have willingly stepped up to help during tough times. As individuals or corporates, we all have a role to play in creating a society that uplifts and empowers those in need. SPD is truly privileged to have many like-minded friends who have stood by us, offering us the support that we need to continue serving the disability community,” said Ms Ong Toon Hui, SPD President.

Other donors present included Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation which has given approximately $2.8 million to enable persons with disabilities to lead a more fulfilling and independent lives. This includes the APB Foundation Scholarship, the Foundation’s longest-standing flagship programme with SPD, that has empowered 55 undergraduate students with disabilities, in so doing nurturing the next generation of disability champions and leaders. Another donor is Keppel Corporation that has supported the revitalisation of the SPD Sheltered Workshop which provides vocational training for persons with disabilities. Beyond the financial contributions, Keppel staff also helped to enhance the sheltered workshop programme through skills-based volunteerism. There were also Presto Expat Motoring Services Pte Ltd and Wang Learning Centre, two small and medium enterprises that have always responded enthusiastically to our fundraising activities. New donor, VDL ETG Singapore, which adopts inclusive hiring mindset and embarked on their giving journey with SPD, was also acknowledged at the event.