The Straits Times
Section: HOME
Nov 16, 2007
By Theresa Tan
IN 1988, a member of the Faith Community Baptist Church volunteered to babysit several latchkey students.
That inspired a group of volunteers to run a programme to guide and monitor children after school hours.
Almost two decades later, that group has evolved into Touch Community Services, a charity with over 120 staff helping more than 1,500 clients each month.
Today, Touch runs 17 services, catering to all age groups. These services include counselling programmes, marriage preparation classes and home nursing services for the elderly.
Touch won the Outstanding Non- profit Organisation Award for excelling in both volunteerism and philanthropy, said the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre.
The charity is known for its strong volunteer force, which includes many non-church members. It has about 800 regular volunteers and about 1,700 who volunteer on occasion.
It has a system to orientate volunteers and match their skills and interests with the work that is needed.
The charity also works hard to reach out to donors.
It has to raise about half of the $8 million it needs for operating expenses a year, said Mr Eugene Seow, its executive director.
The money comes from government grants, foundations and donations from companies and individuals.
Aside from being able to access information on the website, given quarterly newsletters and annual reports, major donors are also given audited accounts of the events they donate to.
Mr Seow said: 'We are open with our donors. In fact, we encourage them to be involved in our work and volunteer with us.'
