Turning 33 isn't exactly a major milestone, but I figured, hey, why should I wait for one of those before I did something special for myself AND for others.

I turned 33 this past Sunday (16 Feb), and while it was much like every other birthday - spent with my loved ones and my meows - i know it might not be the same for many people.

The ongoing COVID-19 situation has everyone riled up over what should or should not have been done. But in the midst of all that, I hope we remember that there are people, especially vulnerable individuals and families, who may be feeling the effects of the situation a lot more keenly than the rest of us.

It is thus my birthday wish that Singaporeans come together to support those who need it the most, and I hope you'll be able to contribute in whatever ways you can to The Courage Fund.

The Courage Fund was first established in 2003 when Singapore was hit by the SARS outbreak. In this same spirit of uniting the community to support one another through difficult times, Community Chest is once again helping to channel donations to The Courage Fund to enable those in need to tide through the current COVID-19 situation.

If you're my friend and want to give me a birthday present, give to the fund! If you're not my friend (yet!), but believe in the cause, do support (and I thank you very much for it!). Together, we will be able to emerge from these challenging times stronger.

'Wheel' you help me :D

Community Chest is the philanthropy and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), which is the national co-ordinating body for social service agencies in Singapore.

As the hallmark of care and share, Community Chest aims to raise funds and engage the community so that social service agencies can focus on developing and delivering quality solutions and empowering the lives of those in need. Since 1983, Community Chest has been serving and in partnership with the people, public and private sectors to create a collaborative and impactful social service ecosystem for 39 years.

100% of your donations go towards helping the disadvantaged, as our fundraising and operating costs are covered mainly by Tote Board. Community Chest supports more than 100 social service agencies and over 200 critical programmes empowering the lives of those in need, including children with special needs and youth-at-risk, adults with disabilities, persons with mental health conditions, and seniors and families in need of support.