Singapore, 12 September 2015 – A total of 350ex-offenders and their family members participated in the ISCOS Family Day 2015 organised by ISCOS (Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd) today, in collaboration with Goldbell Foundation (Goldbell) and law firm, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow.
Revolving around the theme of Bonding in True Kampung Style, the young and old enjoyed themselves in various old-school activities such as yesteryear’s childhood games and other recreation lined up at Siloso Beach, Sentosa Island.
In his opening address, the Special Guest, Mr Soo Eng Hiong, Member, ISCOS Board of Directors said, “The ISCOS Family Day is a yearly affair under the Yellow Ribbon Fund-ISCOS Fairy Godparent Programme (FGP), an initiative that facilitates Family Support. Recognising that love and acceptance have always been the first level of support in good and bad times, ISCOS has helped individuals in need to stay grounded on the right path by forging strong connections within their immediate families. In conjunction with Singapore’s jubilee celebrations, the organising committee has specially set this years theme as Bonding in True Kampung Style, which centres on the spirit of community ties and togetherness. I sincerely hope we can continue to keep the kampung spirit alive, even in modern Singapore.”
Approximately 75 representatives from Goldbell and Baker & Mckenzie.Wong & Leow volunteeredas ambassadors to the families, befriended them and participated in the programmes.
Commenting on Goldbell’s first big-scale volunteer event with ISCOS, Mr Alex Chua, Chief Operating Officer of Goldbell Group said, “We are delighted to partner ISCOS to advocate this special cause for underprivileged children and families. While enjoying todays event, we seek to play our part as a corporate in providing collective community support, which aligns with Singapores call towards a cohesive and inclusive society.”
Ms Celeste Ang, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Principal of Baker & Mckenzie.Wong & Leow said, “Our participation this year marks the third year we have been working hand-in-hand with ISCOS to organise this meaningful event. Our partnership with ISCOS and engagement with the beneficiaries echo our Firms commitment to give back to the community. As always, our volunteers cherish this opportunity to interact with and show our support to the beneficiaries and their families.”
For many of the participants, the Family Day was the ideal occasion to spend quality time with their loved ones in a fun and light-hearted manner.
We really look forward to ISCOS Family Day every year. I had a great time bonding with my children, thanks to the exciting activities. Speaking to other parents today, I know that I am not alone in our family challenges, said Teo Ching Li, an ISCOS member and mother of four children.
The ISCOS Family Day is one of the key activities under FGP, a programme targeted at children of ex-offenders in the areas of education and family support which aims to break the cycle of inter-generational offending.
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About 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/Yellow Ribbon Project 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
Being Singapore’s market leader in industrial vehicles, with three business pillars comprising of Distribution, Leasing and Aftersales. Goldbell Group’s corporate philosophy of providing complete and effective solutions for their customers’ industrial vehicle needs, is reflected in Goldbell Foundation’ s approach in supporting critical programmes that address the social well-being of the diverse communities in Singapore.
Goldbell Foundation partners ISCOS through the Fairy Godparent Programme, which includes Project Leap, ISCOS family day and Bursary Awards, to motivate these families and supporting them in achieving an equal chance in life. Lending them the hand they need during such times. Correspondingly, this partnership positively engages our employees in the spirit of volunteerism.
For more information, please visit www.goldbell.com.sg.
About Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow
Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow is the counsel of choice to many companies using Singapore as a hub for their regional operations. Its lawyers are adept at managing multijurisdictional transactions and neutralising cross-border risk and helps clients achieve their commercial objectives in the wider, regional context.
As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow shares its talents and resources from pro bono legal services, community service and volunteerism, to fund-raising and charitable giving. It encourages staff involvement across targeted community projects through partnerships with various independent and non-profit organizations, including ISCOS. Aside from its active involvement in this year’s ISCOS Family Day, the firm has been supporting the Tuition Bursary initiative of ISCOS for the last five years, where its lawyers and staff mentor the student beneficiaries for one-year terms.
