In January 2020, the first case of COVID-19 hit Singapore. From that day onwards, the ripple effects of the pandemic swept through the country, upending the economy and our daily lives as well as adding tremendous stress to the healthcare sector.
The pandemic also brought about the collapse of businesses and threat of job retrenchments and income depreciation. Like many social service agencies, SMA Charity Fund (SMACF) was similarly affected, with donations significantly reduced due to the economic fallout.
SMACF was set up in 2013 to provide financial support to underprivileged medical students, and we are committed to supporting all individuals in their pursuit of a career in medicine.
With everyday activities still very much restricted and an economy struggling to recover from the pandemic fallout, many medical students continue experiencing financial challenges. We at SMACF will similarly also experience financial limitations in our capacity to support our beneficiaries.
This year, SMACF has rolled out the "SMACF Fundraising Appeal 2021", a new fundraising initiative with the aim of raising funds that will allow us to continue fulfilling our five main missions:
- To continue providing financial support to needy medical students from the three local medical schools via the SMA Medical Students' Assistance Fund.
- To continue advocating volunteerism among our medical students through sponsorship of meaningful community projects in order to nurture compassionate doctors who cure sometimes, treat often and comfort always.
- To support learning exposure by providing needy medical students equal opportunities to gain international exposure and experience for better health outcomes for the public.
- To recognise outstanding mentor-ship. The Wong Hock Boon Society-SMA Charity Fund Outstanding Mentor Award seeks to recognise outstanding mentors who have made a significant difference to their students' medical journey.
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To support operational overheads incurred as a result of our charitable works.
"SMACF Fundraising Appeal 2021" runs from 26 April 2021 to 25 April 2022 and is dedicated to nurturing and inspiring our nation's doctors of tomorrow. Your support gives financially needy students an equal opportunity to pursue their passion and make a difference in the community. In appreciation of your generosity, all donors of the fundraising campaign will receive an exclusive car sun shade* with a donation of $100 and above.
We have witnessed how the COVID-19 pandemic has helped foster a community spirit among strangers through expressions of concern and acts of kindness. We have also seen healthcare workers from different hospitals, institutions and units come together to battle the virus and keep us safe. To the healthcare sector, this is an ongoing fight.
Help us bring about a positive impact on Singapore's healthcare by supporting our future doctors.
Donate today by scanning the QR code below or visit https://bit.ly/2XDHaGF.
*Car sun shades will tentatively be available be the end of the year. Donors will be informed of collection dates when available.