Celebrating 50 Years of Social Service, 1958 -2008

2008 marks an important milestone for the social service sector as it comes 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 restructured into the NCSS in 1992.

NCSS, the umbrella body for the sector, is leading the sector-wide celebration, involving Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), beneficiaries, corporates, donors, partners and the community. Turning 50 is an important milestone for the sector to document its achievements and pay tribute to the people who have contributed to the growth of the sector. It is 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 is also special as it marks 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 will be featured as part of the overall celebrations.

LOGO

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

The event, to be held at the Esplanade Park on 23 and 24 August 2008 will showcase the evolvement of social services, the good works, achievements and services provided by the VWOs. Beneficiaries will take to the stage to perform and thank the community for their generous support and care. It promises to be a day of learning, fun and games for everyone.

Dinner

A dinner for the social service professionals and volunteers will be held at the Swissotel Hotel on 24 October 2008 with President S R Nathan as Guest-of-Honour.

Commemorative Book

The coffee table book will record and commemorate the achievements of the sector and the people who made them. This will be launched at the dinner.

Well-wishes Message Board

Members of the public are invited to post congratulatory messages and their hopes for the social service sector on the NCSS website.