2008 marked an important milestone for the social service sector as we came together to celebrate 50 years of structured social service in Singapore. The sector has come a long way since the former Singapore Council of Social Service (SCSS), the precursor to the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), was formed on 22 December 1958 to coordinate and support the then unstructured social service sector. SCSS was then restructured into the NCSS in 1992.

NCSS, the umbrella body for the sector, led a sector-wide celebration, involving Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), beneficiaries, corporates, donors, partners and the community. Turning 50 was an important milestone for the sector to document its achievements and pay tribute to the people who had contributed to the growth of the sector. It was also an opportunity to raise public awareness of the sector – the needs, services and community resources and how lives have been helped, dignified and transformed.

2008 was also special as it marked the 25th anniversary of Community Chest – the fund-raising arm of NCSS. For 25 years, Community Chest has worked tenaciously to raise millions of much-needed dollars for social service programmes. By helping to relieve VWOs of the burden of fund-raising, VWOs can then focus on their primary responsibility of caring for and serving the disadvantaged in our community.

The role of Community Chest in fulfilling the hopes of the less fortunate has an important place in the development of the social service sector and hence was featured as part of the overall celebrations.

LOGO

The logo, which was conceptualised by Publicis, was used extensively in the 50th Anniversary collaterals, materials and the coffee table book.

Logo Rationale:

The two people joining hands is symbolic of the unity and commitment of the many helping hands in the social service sector. The stars express the excitement and achievement of celebrating 50 years of structured social service since the formation of the then Singapore (now National) Council of Social Service in 1958. The colors: red, blue and orange reflect the passion, capability-building and vibrancy of the sector.

Community Chest’s 25 years of fulfilling hopes is also featured in recognition of its contribution to the growth of the sector.

Theme Rationale:

‘Reaching Out. Changing Lives.’ is a testament to what the sector has been doing – which is helping people live a life of dignity to his or her fullest potential. It also serves as a call to action – to invite others to come together and give hope to those in need.

EVENTS

Carnival

NCSS celebrated 50 years of structured social service in Singapore with a mega carnival that was held at the Esplanade Park on 23 and 24 August 2008. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the Guest-of-Honour at the event, which drew an estimated crowd of 20,000 people, comprising of members of the public, volunteers and beneficiaries from various social service organisations.

A highlight of the carnival was when Prime Minister Lee led the way with a drumming session with 100 VWOs as they literally drummed up support and awareness of the work and achievements of the social service sector. About 500 VWO beneficiaries treated the audience with magnificent performances during the 2-day mega carnival. Beneficiaries from the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, better known as MINDS, also garnered huge applause from their spirited performances in line dancing and playing the Japanese ‘Taiko’ Drum.

Heartstrings Walk

$750,000 was raised for 58 Community Chest supported charities at the Heartstrings Walk @ Esplanade Park 2008 on 23 August 2008. The event, which was held as part of Community Chest’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, attracted participants from members of the public, corporations, youth groups and beneficiaries from various Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs).

Social Service 50th Anniversary Dinner: Golden Nostalgia

Held on 24 October 2008 at the Raffles City Convention Centre, more than 1,400 guests attended the dinner. The event was graced by President S R Nathan who was the Guest-of-Honour. VIPs for the night included luminaries and veterans of the social service sector such as Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, Speaker of Parliament, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister (CYS), Mr Othman Bin Wok, former Minister of Social Affairs, as well as Dr Robert Loh and Mr Gerard Ee, who were former Presidents of NCSS.

The programme in the Dinner included paying tribute to the many dedicated social service professionals, volunteers and partners who have contributed to the development and progress of the social service sector, a cake cutting ceremony and toast as well as a performance by ShowFEST who brought the guests through several familiar song items throughout the five decades. ShowFEST also composed a specially commissioned song for the occasion.

Commemorative Song

'SHARE THE DREAM' was specially commissioned by NCSS in celebration of the sector's 50th Anniversary. The song describes the unity of the sector where we all share the dream of giving hope and love to the less fortunate, to the community, making a difference for each and every one.

Commemorative Book: For All We Care

The Book is a celebration of 50 years of dedicated commitment on the part of volunteers, social service professionals, corporations, VWOs, philanthropists, donors and individuals who have contributed to the growth and achievements of the social service sector. It traced the history and development of the social service sector chronologically, by featuring milestones of the sector for each year since the formation of the Singapore Council of Social Service in 1958. Each year featured a snapshot of events that took place. President S R Nathan launched the Book at the 50th Anniversary Dinner.

Documentary: Heart@work: The NCSS Story

NCSS, in leading the sector-wide 50th anniversary celebrations, produced a 2-part documentary series featuring the milestones, changes and growth of the social service sector and NCSS in the last 50 years. A special segment, which includes an interview with President S R Nathan, was also featured in the programme. The documentary was shown on Channel NewsAsia in October 2008.

Annual Conference

50 Years of Reaching Out, Changing Lives

The annual NCSS Conference held on 13 November 2008 at Orchard Hotel Singapore engaged member VWOs to jointly review progress of major social service initiatives, and exchange views on current and new initiatives with NCSS. The aim of conference was to provide new thinking and solutions to meet the organisational capability needs of VWOs. The Guest-of-Honour was Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports. Participants included leaders and senior staff of NCSS member VWOs, NCSS Board and Committee Members, corporate partners as well as representatives from MCYS and other government agencies. For the first time, it was also open to charities from the other sectors, e.g. Arts and Heritage, Health, Education, Sports, and Community.