Tidal Wave Asia Fund officially closes
By Evelyn Choo, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 05 December 2009 2221 hrs

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SINGAPORE: The Singapore Red Cross has closed a chapter in its largest relief effort to date.

When the Asian tsunami struck five years ago, it resulted in an overwhelming response from Singaporeans, who donated S$89 million to the organisation. All the money went to the Tidal Wave Asia Fund, which officially closed on Saturday.

The fund paid for 69 projects in Indonesia, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The last project was the construction of Stella Maris General Hospital in Nias Island, off the west coast of Sumatra. The collaboration by the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation and Singapore Red Cross cost S$2.9 million. It was handed over to Nias villagers on December 3.

Moreover, to mark International Volunteer Day, the Singapore Red Cross and National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre launched a book on Saturday.

It commemorates the efforts of individuals and Singapore organisations that helped rebuild lives and communities, which were devastated by the tsunami.

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Teo Chee Hean, said: "All so often, as Singaporeans, we ask 'What can I get?' But every now and again, we see examples of what is perhaps more important - what we can give.

"In the way that Singaporeans have this outpouring of giving over this tsunami relief effort, I think we were brought closer to the region, and the region around us."

- CNA/sc