ISCOS Members' Children Celebrate Children's Day

Singapore, 9 October 2010 - Around 100 ISCOS members' children from low income families celebrated Children‟s Day at the Singapore Zoo this morning, including some 60 parents/ISCOS members.

The event was organized by ISCOS (Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd) and supported by LONZA Biologics Tuas Singapore, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility in the local community. LONZA is one of the world‟s leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries.

Around 80 LONZA management and staff have come forward to serve as volunteers to help bring joy and love to the children, including 30 volunteers and staff from ISCOS.

Guest-of-Honour is Dr Michael Brown, Vice President for Operations and Site Manager, Lonza Biologics Tuas Singapore.

“It‟s been a fantastic day. I‟m happy to see so many kids enjoying themselves tremendously, and I think everybody at Lonza had a great day today as well. It‟s great to participate with ISCOS for this event,” said Dr Brown.

The theme of the Children‟s Day celebration is „Amazing Race at the Zoo‟. Aside from the educational aspect where the children got acquainted on animal life through specially- arranged games at different stations, the event also aims to boost their confidence as they complete challenging tasks.

By finishing the race, the children learned about perseverance and had a sense of accomplishment, which they will need as they face their future life race. It is important for these children to be guided with the right values and mindset most especially at their young age. ISCOS continually nurtures its members‟ children with positive life values to become promising adults.

Nordin bin Mohammad, an ISCOS member, brought his wife and 6 children where 4 of them participated in the race. “Our children benefit so much from all the activities organized by ISCOS,” Halizah, Nordin‟s wife said.

The event is part of the year-round educational and enrichment activities organized by ISCOS under its Fairy Godparent Programme. ISCOS is a co-operative for ex-offenders helping them and their families in their reintegration into society.