Singapore: A record-breaking total of S$1.81 million was raised at the Singapore Island Country Club’s (SICC) 51st May Day Charity.

This year’s charity drive will benefit 16 beneficiaries supporting various causes such as health, the community, disabled, children and the elderly, with generous donations from more than 50 donors, including 47 corporate donors.

The main charity golf game on May 1 saw close to 700 golfers vying for luxurious hole-in-one cars and attractive cash prizes on the club’s two 18-hole and one 27-hole golf courses.

The club’s newest golf course, The New Course, which opened last July, received overwhelming response from donors.

The charity’s Patron, President Halimah Yacob, said: “Your dedication in helping others, especially in these unprecedented and challenging times, is an inspiration to all Singaporeans.

“I hope that this fine tradition of SICC, which helps to encourage the spirit of caring for the disadvantaged among us, will continue for many more years to come.”

In his opening remarks, Ivan Chua, SICC Club Captain and Organising Chairman of the May Day Charity 2022, welcomed attendees back to the gala dinner after a two-year hiatus, and noted the outpouring of donations that paralleled the improving Covid-19 situation and easing of safe management measures.

Chua expressed his gratitude to the sponsors for their generosity and for keeping in mind the essence of charity and spirit of giving towards the under-served segments of society.

Besides the charity golf game and corporate sponsorships, other fringe activities by the club’s food and beverage, lifestyle and sports fraternities have been organised for SICC Members since mid-April and will continue until the end of May.

From swim carnivals and fitness challenges to specialty dishes and a walk on the golf course, these activities were made available to allow SICC Members to contribute to the charitable cause in their own ways

Beginning in 1972 with a group of golfers coming together to raise funds through a golf game, the SICC’s May Day Charity has evolved to be a club-wide effort involving all other sports and interest groups in fringe fund-raising activities.

The charity event has raised more than S$24 million to support social service programmes, benefitting large sections of the under-privileged.

The SICC is a Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.