November 2022
Jubilee Solidarity Fund is officially Closed
The administration of the Jubilee Solidarity Fund (JSF) has largely been keeping me busy at work for the whole of this year. The JSF was initiated in 2020 to aid those impacted by the pandemic. We are happy to say that, since 30 October 2022, we have officially closed this programme as we have fully disbursed all the funds.
We have reached out to more than 1,400 families as well as 15 Catholic schools with students on the Financial Assistance Scheme. During the reach-out, we encountered many real-life hardship cases and have directed some to seek professional help. There were, however, a few applications that were unsuccessful after careful assessment by the reviewing team.
While I do get my fair share of unpleasant responses from rejected applicants who question my sincerity in helping them, I take them in my stride and try not to feel discouraged. Instead, I choose to count my blessings and take comfort and affirmation in the heartfelt compliments that I receive:
“From the bottom of our hearts (my family) would like to say thank you to both of you Paul, Joachim and everyone involved with the assistance given. Only in times of need can we realise the beauty of human beings and the true capacity of love/kindness we can offer our fellow mankind and Singaporeans in need. May God bless all of your kind souls and reward all of you with good health and happiness.”- Mr Anif, father of 7 children
For all who have contributed to the JSF project and would like to know who the beneficiaries are, I hope you will find the following infographics useful:
Catholic schools benefitting from the JSF programme:
Assumption English School
Paul & Friar Esmond with Mr Emran Yatim (Admin Exec), Mr Benjamin Kwok (Principal) & Mr Quek Ser Hiang (VP Admin)
Canossa Catholic Primary School
Friar Mike & Paul with Sr Theresa Seow & Mrs Eugenie Tan (Principal)
St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School
Nick & Paul with Sr Geraldine Lim, Ms Ariken Charmaine (VP), & Mrs Daleen Ferro (Year-Head Teacher)
Love on Wheels
Mdm Tan (not her real name) is one of our FINs (Friends in Need) from the Society of St Vincent de Paul. She has not been able to walk properly due to old age. Through the recommendation of a SSVP member, St Mary’s has gifted her with a brand new wheelchair and she is extremely grateful for the gift. In our evaluation and communication to assist any family, we make it clear that we cannot simply help “on demand” but the Church will do what is possible. In the case of Mdm Tan, we hope that these wheels can improve her mobility and quality of life, as well as bring a smile to her face!
Two children in India also received their “Wheels of Joy” - not wheelchairs, but bicycles! Mr P works in Singapore and he was hoping for a surprise gift for his children. We came to know about this and Mr P was delighted that we were able to offer two bicycles to bless his family with. Arrangements were made for the boys to receive the bicycles about two months later. To us, we simply facilitated the “transfer” of these gifts from the donor. But to the family,
they were more than just bicycles…but gifts of love to bond the family across over physical distance and separation!
