Singapore, 4 June 2016 – The Angsana Green at East Coast Park was buzzing with excitement and boisterous cheers this morning, where 221 ex-offenders and their families enjoyed themselves in the Family Day carnival organised by the Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd (ISCOS), a social co-operative for ex-offenders.
Sponsored by Goldbell Foundation (Goldbell) and Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow, the annual Family Day is one of the major highlights for the Yellow Ribbon Fund-ISCOS Fairy Godparent Programme (FGP), which reaches out to children and families of exoffenders. The event is planned for them to spend a good time of family bonding and
make up for lost time together in a light-hearted manner.
In his opening address, Mr Daniel Teo, the newly appointed ISCOS Chairman and Guest of Honour for the event, emphasised on the importance of family support.
“Since FGP’s implementation, ISCOS has witnessed many heart-warming stories of how family acceptance and support are crucial in helping to steer our members back to the right path and successfully turn over a new leaf. This is why family support remains a key element on how we plan our FGP initiatives, as we hope to see more of such inspirational stories for others to emulate.”
Aptly themed as ‘Carnival on the Green,’ the Family Day event aims to strengthen family ties among the underprivileged by engaging them in team-building games and activities in the lush greenery of the park. They were joined by more than 50 volunteers from Goldbell and Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow who befriended them and participated in the programmes.
Mr Maurice Chua, General Manager – Group HR for Goldbell said, “This is our second year of partnership with ISCOS in organising this meaningful event. The collaboration echoes our Group’s commitment to give back to the community, while providing our volunteers the opportunity to engage the families and show our support to them.”
Ms Celeste Ang, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Principal of Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow, said, “It has been a pleasure for us to be part of the Fairy Godparent Programme all these years. The annual ISCOS Family Day is one of the exciting highlights on our CSR calendar. Our firm takes great pride in seeking to make a positive difference to the community in which we live and work. We are therefore delighted to play a role in advocating this special cause for underprivileged children and their families.”
While many enjoyed savouring the carnival-themed snacks such as churros and takoyaki, many children and adults alike were also having a great time bonding over the exciting games, such as the Human Conveyor Belt and Minutes to Win It.
“This is my fifth time attending the ISCOS’ Family Day. I feel closer with my family members now as I get to interact with them through the interesting activities organized specially for us. I am definitely looking forward to next year’s Family Day,” said Ms Liza (not her real name), 45, an ISCOS beneficiary.
The FGP helps children of ex-offenders from low-income families to achieve good education and acquire positive life skills, with the aim of breaking the cycle of intergenerational offending. This is achieved by improving the students’ development, providing family support, and creating a more conducive study environment at home.
About Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd (ISCOS)
Since 1989, ISCOS has been extending friendship and support to ex-offenders and their families so that they can lead meaningful and productive lives. Together with the CARE Network partners, ISCOS takes an active role in engaging the community to help ex-offenders and their families gain a foothold in the society.
As a social Co-operative for ex-offenders under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs, our programmes and services are geared towards enhancing the skills level of our beneficiaries, connecting them with supportive employers, providing social support through positive peer groups and mentors, building stronger family units, as well as extending academic assistance to their children in order to break the cycle of intergenerational offending.
About Goldbell Group and Goldbell Foundation
Goldbell Group is Singapore’s market leader in distribution and leasing of industrial vehicles with business operations that span across the Asian region, with presence in Malaysia and Vietnam.
Goldbell has a strong belief in giving back to the society, hence incorporating Goldbell Foundation into Goldbell Group. This is a small step towards cultivating corporate social responsibility into the business. Goldbell Foundation aims to enable people to commit and contribute to the society and environment positively, playing a part to push forward a charitable initiative. Supports are given towards critical programmes that address the social well-being of the diverse communities in Singapore.
ISCOS is one of the partners who receive supports from Goldbell Foundation, through the Fairy Godparent Programme, which includes Project LEAP, ISCOS Family Day, and Bursary Awards, to motivate and support these families in their quests to achieve a better outcome in life.
For more information, please visit www.goldbell.com.sg.
About Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow is a joint law venture between Baker & McKenzie International and Wong & Leow LLC, a Singapore law firm. It is the counsel of choice for many companies using Singapore as a hub for their regional operations. The firm’s lawyers are adept at managing multijurisdictional transactions and neutralising crossborder risks, and help clients achieve their commercial objectives in the wider, regional context.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow shares its talents and resources for pro bono legal services, community service and volunteerism, and fundraising and charitable giving. It encourages staff involvement in targeted community projects through partnerships with various independent and non-profit organizations, including ISCOS. Apart from participating in this year’s ISCOS Family Day, the firm has also been supporting ISCOS’ Tuition
Bursary initiative for the past six years, where its lawyers and staff serve as mentors tothe student beneficiaries.
