Fund-raising, fellowship and fun

Fund-raising, fellowship and fun

MWS Charity Golf 2010 bags $330,000, thanks to participants, donors and sponsors

By Michelle Tan

FOR THE 22^ND YEAR IN A ROW, the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Charity Golf 2010 raised funds for the needy and for Methodists to fellowship with one another through friendly competition.

More than 160 golfers descended on Laguna National Golf and Country Club on July 28 for a round of golf followed by a sumptuous eight-course dinner. The charity event raised a total of $330,000, thanks to faithful golfers, generous donations from individuals, our churches and corporate sponsors.

For the first time, a Chinese Annual Conference (CAC) church has won the Tay Eng Soon Cup (Men’s Team Champion). Grace Methodist Church walked away with the trophy, and Paya Lebar Methodist Church took the Edwin Chan Cup (Men’s Team Runner-Up). The Rosalyn Tay Cup (Ladies’ Team Champion) went to Kampong Kapor Methodist Church.

This was the fourth time that Barker Road Methodist Church has convened the event and the organising committee, led by Mr Ho Kah-Choy, was instrumental in publicising this tournament and getting sponsors. But more than just raising funds to support the MWS’ work, this charity tournament also provides the perfect platform for Methodists to interact.

“I love the reunion with fellow Methodists during the dinner. We will normally occupy a table and catch up with one another,” said Mr Alfred Tan, a Wesley Methodist Church member and a loyal supporter of the event.

The Rev Malcolm Tan, Pastor-in-Charge of Barker Road MC, believes that the MWS Charity Golf is a great platform for fund-raising as there are many Methodists who enjoy a good game of golf. In addition, golfers get to flex their muscles for some exercise. “We are golfing together for a worthy cause -- to raise funds and awareness for the work of the MWS,” he said.

The longevity of this event can probably be attributed to this winning combination of fund-raising and fellowship. Being able to give back to society while having fun is appealing not just to Methodists, but their friends and family too.

This year, Dr Tan Gee Paw, Chairman of the Public Utilities Board (PUB), was the Guest-of-Honour. His wife, Irene, also showed her support by participating as a golfer.

Mr Peter Ong, a fellow Methodist, is a veteran of the MWS Charity Golf. Having participated at least 10 times, he encourages more churches and Methodists to get involved in supporting the MWS’ work. “It is a very well-organised event and there has consistently been a very strong fund-raising focus every year,” he said.

Covenant Community Methodist Church will be the convening church for next year’s event. With their hearts warmed and spirits lifted for a day well-spent, the golfers would be heartened to know that just a day of fun and fellowship can impact the needy in our society for a long time to come.

The MWS looks forward to seeing you again next year!

Michelle Tan is the Communications Executive of the Methodist Welfare Services.