SINGAPORE, 28 October 2024 – SPD, a multi-service agency dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and those who may develop disabling conditions, marked its 60th anniversary this year.
Founded in 1964, SPD has grown from its humble beginnings as the Society for Aid to the Paralysed into an organisation that now helps about 11,000 individuals annually through a diverse range of disability support.
To celebrate its diamond jubilee, close to 300 guests including donors, volunteers, community partners and representatives from Government agencies and other social service agencies joined SPD in the celebration of this important milestone at an appreciation dinner held at the Pan Pacific Singapore. Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong graced the event as guest-of-honour. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, Mr Eric Chua, was also in attendance as special guest.
SPD’s President Ms Ong Toon Hui highlighted the organisation’s journey of dedication, resilience, and growth. “In many ways, SPD’s story mirrors that of Singapore—a tale of resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on our mission. While we have evolved over the years, our mission remains unchanged: to empower persons with disabilities and to foster self-reliance and independence.,” said Mr Ong in her welcome address.
The year was marked with several events organised to commemorate its 60th anniversary, culminating to last night’s anniversary dinner. The opening of the senior care centre at Canberra and two early intervention centres at Jurong West and Kembangan demonstrate SPD’s commitment to serving even more young and elderly in the community. The Imagining Community Therapy 3.0 Symposium that the SPD Therapy Hub co-organised with SingHealth Community Hospitals on 19 September 2024 and the appointment of SPD as operator for the Enabling Services Hub in Punggol exemplifies SPD’s commitment to staying relevant in addressing the changing needs of the disability community. The Photography for Good Exhibition showcased the impact of SPD’s work on beneficiaries, and how lives have been transformed through the support from the community, while the SPD Ability Walk and the SPD Charity Golf events recorded the most amount of funds raised.
SPD’s success and progress have been made possible through the unwavering dedication of its volunteers, partners and staff, a commitment recognised by the Charity Transparency Award for six consecutive years since its introduction by the Charity Council in 2016. Emphasising the power of community and partner support, the appreciation dinner featured a heartwarming handbell performance by students from Methodist Girls’ School alongside children from SPD’s Building Bridges EIPIC Centre. Beneficiaries from SPD’s Day Activity Centre Without Walls also gave a captivating dance performance together with LASALLE College students. These collaborations truly showcased the spirit of inclusion and unity at the heart of SPD’s mission.
“Our work is only possible with the trust and confidence of our partners, donors, and supporters. This is why we strive for the highest standards of governance, remaining transparent, accountable, and responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. This trust is precious and forms the foundation of our relationships, enabling us to serve with excellence,” said Ms Ong.
“I began volunteering with SPD 10 years ago because I believed that people with disabilities deserve happiness, though they may need a little extra support in some areas. Over the years, I have built strong relationships with many of the beneficiaries, many who have become like a second family to me. I hope to continue volunteering and supporting people with disabilities,” said Ms Josephine Lee who has been a befriender to six SPD beneficiaries over the last 10 years.
Looking ahead, SPD remains dedicated to advancing its mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling and independent lives. With the continued support of the Government, corporate partners, and the community, SPD is well-positioned to further its impact and build a more inclusive future for all.
