SINGAPORE : 31,000 students have sold some 100,000 chocolate bars for charity.

The largest student-driven fundraiser raked in S$200,000 in support of President's Challenge 2008.

Students from nine uniformed groups combined their efforts to sell Kit Kat bars at S$2 per bar at FairPrice outlets islandwide, every weekend in July.

Initiated by President SR Nathan in 2000, the President's Challenge aims to encourage the community to be involved in helping the less fortunate, as well as raise funds for the social service sector.

Mr Nathan said: "Well, I am naturally very pleased to see all the young people from the different organisations - Scouts, NPCC, (Girl) Guides, and Brownies - making their contribution towards President's Challenge. It's a tremendous effort.

"It's not the sale of Kit Kats, but the effort they put to sell it. I think it's a very commendable effort. The more important reason is for them to know they are doing something for some people. So I really appreciate that." - CNA/ms