SINGAPORE — The People’s Association (PA) has raised S$250,000, mainly through the efforts of grassroots organisations, for the President’s Challenge 2013.

The cheque was presented to President Tony Tan Keng Yam during a visit to Bright Vision Hospital yesterday (Nov 30).

The hospital is one of the 55 beneficiaries of the President’s Challenge this year.

Dr Tan, along with some 150 staff and volunteers from the People’s Association, brought early Christmas cheer to the elderly residents.

The patients received gift packs and were entertained by performances.

The visit was part of the PA YOUths Care project, held in conjunction with International Volunteer Day.

The initiative launched early this month has already produced 80 projects benefiting more than 9,000 less-privileged individuals.

PA’s Chief Executive Director Ang Hak Seng said: “This is a meaningful project. Not only it will benefit the less privileged, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for our youths to better understand what ageing is all about and this will be an important life skill for them when they grow up.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA