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Community Chest and Mandai Wildlife Group partner to support individuals and families in need

Mandai Wildlife Group and Community Chest, the philanthropic arm of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), have signed a new partnership that goes beyond monetary giving to widen access to wildlife experiences for individuals and families in need. Under this collaboration, Mandai Wildlife Group will extend up to 50,000 complimentary admissions annually, valued at about $3 million, to social service agencies (SSAs). This will ensure more communities have the opportunity to enjoy outings that support wellbeing, strengthen family bonds and inspire learning. The partnership was announced today at Singapore Zoo, with Mr Goh Pei Ming, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Home Affairs, as Guest-of-Honour.

Guest-of-Honour Goh Pei Ming, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Home Affairs, joins beneficiaries from Fei Yue Community Services to feed Rothschild’s giraffes at Singapore Zoo.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Previously, SSAs looking to bring beneficiaries to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve reached out individually, often on an ad-hoc basis. This partnership formalises Mandai Wildlife Group’s support for the social service sector under a single, coordinated initiative where Community Chest reaches out to over 400 SSAs to raise awareness of the complimentary visits in a more structured and thematic manner. Community Chest will also rally its network of corporate partners to sponsor other aspects of the outings such as meals or souvenirs, enriching the experience for service users.

Jack Lim, Managing Director, Community Chest, says, “This partnership reflects what is possible when organisations come together and contribute in ways that build on their unique strengths. We hope this will encourage more corporates to look beyond traditional giving and consider how their expertise, resources or experiences can make a meaningful difference to those in need. Community Chest will continue to bring together partners to create opportunities that uplift lives and strengthen communities.”

The collaboration is part of a broader shift within Community Chest to embark on cross-sector partnerships that go beyond donations, connecting corporate resources directly with the evolving needs of the communities they serve. As community needs in Singapore become more diverse, the partnership aims to provide a scalable model for how businesses and community organisations can work together to build a more caring and inclusive society.

Bennett Neo, Group CEO, Mandai Wildlife Group, says, “For years, our support for the sector has come through many individual arrangements with schools, charities and community partners. Working with Community Chest through this partnership gives us a clearer channel to reach more communities, while guided by their deep understanding of what they actually need. We're also looking beyond access to explore how we can create more inclusive spaces and programmes that people of different abilities can enjoy together.”

Beyond facilitating visits, Mandai Wildlife Group and Community Chest will progressively introduce initiatives that encourage greater community participation, inclusion and giving. The two organisations are exploring enhancements to public playgrounds at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve to support multi-ability play. Mandai Wildlife Group is also looking at ways for its employees to get involved to support communities in need.

The partnership was formalised by Bennett Neo, Group CEO, Mandai Wildlife Group and Jack Lim, Managing Director, Community Chest, with Guest-of-Honour Goh Pei Ming, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Home Affairs presiding as witness.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Beneficiaries from Fei Yue Community Services pose for a photo with mascots, including Community Chest’s mascot Sharity.

Photo credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

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