Fund-Raising Event in Aid of the Society for the Physically Disabled

At the start of the year, the Young Lawyers Committee (‘YLC’) proposed a fund-raising event for charity and decided to organise a presentation of the movie, The Da Vinci Code, in aid of the Society for the Physically Disabled (‘SPD’).

The SPD helps people with physical disabilities to maximise their potential through programmes that encompass rehabilitation, employment, training, education, consultation and assessment in assistive technology, day care, and social service support, and helps them to be self-reliant and independent.

As financial support and donations are essential for the SPD to help people with physical disabilities achieve independence and self-confidence, the YLC was pleased to assist SPD in their commendable goals through this fund-raising event.

The event was held on 19 May 2006 and presented this much-anticipated movie based on the best-selling novel with an award-winning director and boasting a stellar cast coupled with the added attraction of being held at the iconic 590-seat Grand Cathay in the recently re-opened Cathay Cineplex.

Guests were entitled to a complimentary refreshment pack (popcorn and drink) as well as free entry to the ‘after-party’ at the Butter Factory (Robertson Quay) – which had kindly agreed to donate $1.00 to the SPD for every ticket redeemed.

This event was open to all members as well as family, friends, staff and clients and was an ideal opportunity to enjoy a good movie while contributing to a worthy cause. In fact, sales were brisk and tickets were sold out days before the event!

Mr Philip Jeyaretnam, SC presenting the cheque to Ms Loi Boon Lee from the SPD. On the left is Ms Smitha Menon and on the right, Mr Anand Nalachandran, both from the YLC

Ms Loi Boon Lee presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Philip Jeyaretnam, SC

Some of the movie-goers at the screening of The Da Vinci Code included Justice Choo Han Teck and Ms Laura Liew

In addition to ticket sales, we also raised funds through direct donations and were overwhelmed by the generous donations that exceeded expectations.

By all accounts, this event was a tremendous success and we are proud to announce that over $11,000.00 was raised and presented to SPD’s Director of Community Partnerships, Ms Loi Boon Lee, by Mr Philip Jeyaretnam SC, on behalf of the Law Society, on 31 August 2006.

And so, nothing else remains but to extend the heartfelt thanks and gratitude of the YLC to everyone who supported this event and contributed to this achievement.

Anand Nalachandran/Laura Liew

Co-chairpersons

Young Lawyers Committee

For more information on SPD, please visit www.spd.org.sg.