Lilies on the River 2006: Press Release

Press Release

More than 50,000 colourful lilies and 50 giant illuminated lilies will be floated down the Singapore River by Viriya Community Services on Saturday, 2 nd September 2006 to bring hope, peace, prosperity an d good health for all and raising more than $1 million for Singaporeans in need.

Lilies on the River Grand Finale, Saturday, 2nd September 2006 11.30 am – 8.30 pm, at the Singapore River, near UOB Plaza

“Lilies on the River Grand Finale” is organised by Viriya Community Services to mark the end of a six-month long island-wide fundr ais ing campaign. To date, Viriya has successfully raised S$1.4 million for programmes supporting children, youths, families and senior citizens in need of community and financial support.

This is the 4 th year that Viriya Community Services is having this flagship event and from next year, it will organize yet another exciting event to raise the public awareness of the need to care for society.

Highlight of Event – Giant Illuminated Lily Specially Dedicated to SINGAPORE

Our Guest-of-Honour, Mr Chan Soo Sen, MP for Joo Chiat Constituency and Patron of Leong Hwa Monastery, parent organisation of Viriya Community Services will float the first of 50 giant illuminated lilies at 6.00 pm on Saturday, 2 nd September 2006 . The first giant illuminated lily is specially dedicated to Singapore , inscribed with Mr Chan's personal wish for Singapore – “May Everyone Be Well & Happy!”

Mr Chan said, “The success of this event shows clearly that Singaporeans remain compassionate. They continue to donate for the worthy causes.”

Presentation of cheque for a sum of S$250,000 to KK Children's Hospital to support Viriya – KK Children's Hospital HomeCare Programme

This homecare programme facilitates the discharge of chronically ill children from hospital to their home, to encourage their recovery in a familiar and warm environment that is equipped with the right medical equipment.

With this partnership progamme, Viriya Community Services aims to complement medical expertise and care from the KK Children's Hospital with its communtiy, financial and emotional support to give these chronically ill children the best that life can offer.

With this S$250,000 , Viriya Community Services, has in these 3 years, donated S$1 million to this Programme which has benefitted 130 chronically ill children.

50,000 lilies in 10 different colours to be floated on Singapore River

More than 50,000 lilies will be floated on Singapore River by well-wishers and volunteers on Saturday, 2nd September starting from 12 noon . The lilies symbolise perseverance, enduring strength, unique beauty and wisdom. Viriya hopes that the floating of the multitude of lilies will bring good favour to all in Singapore , to help them persevere through these challenging times in a fast changing global environment with courage, hope and wisdom.

More About Lilies on the River Fundraiser

The fund raising event started on 1 March 2006 . Priced at S$10 for each brightly coloured lily, donors had 10 unique colours to choose from, each colour bearing a different character and significance. Every donor was encouraged to write a wish for the well being of his/her loved ones on the lily before floating it down the Singapore River . The fund-r ais ing drive took place islandwide at shopping malls and NTUC Fairprice outlets. With the continued support of volunteers, donors- corporations and individuals, the management of the shopping malls and NTUC Fairprice, Viriya was able to r ais e more than $1,000,000( to be confirmed). Last year's event r ais ed $1.12million.

“Exceeding our goal of S$1 million is a truly remarkable achievement especially during such challenging times. We are very happy and grateful to the many Singaporeans who heeded our calls and appeals in the last 6 months. Each and every donation will touch the lives of many who are in need of support – be it in financial, health or monetary aid,” said Venerable Sek Meow Ee , President of Viriya Community Services.