PSSA 2005 - Formal Group/ Non-Profit/ Public Sector Organisation Award Winner

The Singapore Buddhist Lodge

Founded in 1934, the Singapore Buddhist Lodge is one of the oldest charities in Singapore. Throughout its 71-year history, it has given help to hundreds of needy people, regardless of race or religion.

In the 1950s, it provided monetary assistance to victims of fire and floods, the poor, destitute and less fortunate. It also dispensed basic provisions, provided free funeral services and wheelchairs for needy people with disabilities. Today, the Lodge provides free meals to hundreds of needy individuals at its temple in Kim Yam Road. Since 1999, it has also been organising the annual Charity Re-union Dinner during Chinese New Year for senior citizens under the government’s Public Assistance Scheme and various children homes. Since 1949, the Lodge has been giving “Hong Bao” to the needy during the festive season every year. In 2003, about $350,000 was distributed to 10,000 needy people.

A staunch believer that poverty should not deprive anyone from gaining a good education, the Lodge set up an education fund in 1978 to provide financial assistance to primary and secondary students from low-income families. In 1993, it was extended to Malays and Indians, and since 1996, includes tertiary education. So far, over $7 million have been distributed to more than 17,000 students.

To meet the changing social and welfare needs of the community, the Lodge established a welfare foundation in 1996 that runs a Family Service Centre, two Student Care Centres and three Chinese Physician Free Clinics.

Volunteerism should not be restricted by ethnicity and religion if it intends to benefit the community. The Lodge is exemplary in this regard, as its assistance schemes are open to all members of the community. By the end of 2003, the Singapore Buddhist Lodge had given about $1.5 million to other voluntary welfare organisations and community service organisations.

Other PSSA 2005 winners: