Good food, fun performances, and the chance to help those in need. What’s not to love about this party?
Project Intan is the winner of the President’s Award for Volunteerism and/or Philanthropy (Kampong Spirit) 2016
One day every year, a group of revellers gather at The Intan, an award-winning private Peranakan home-museum in Joo Chiat owned by Mr Alvin Yapp, to enjoy Peranakan food and live entertainment.
But they are there for more than just fun and food, they are also there to do good. Guests are encouraged to make a contribution to a charity of Mr Yapp’s choice.
The initiative, called Project Intan (Itan means rosecut diamond in Malay), was started in 2008 as an annual fundraiser for local charities. Mr Yapp wanted to leverage on his love for Peranakan culture and heritage to bring people together for a good cause, and to keep the kampong spirit of yesteryear alive and thriving by gathering friends, families and business associates.
Ms Gabriela Ho, a volunteer with Project Intan, says: “Project Intan is a different approach to fundraising… The food is prepared by Alvin’s family and friends. Entertainment is also provided by friends and families, including children who sing Peranakan songs. In essence, everyone involved is a volunteer.”
Anyone is welcome to attend the party.
It takes a kampong to raise a child
A large part of Project Intan’s giving efforts are focused on children. Beyond raising funds for children from distressed and broken families, the initiative also strives to provide guidance and companionship to them through various outreach programmes.
It has brought the KidzREACH programme to families living in interim rental housing in Siglap, and conducted classes such as soccer and jam band to discourage at-risk youths from staying on the streets and falling into bad company.
Opportunities to perform are also provided to children, targeted at helping them gain skills and confidence as well as experience being part of a family.
Project Intan has also spawned spin-offs. For instance, Project Birthday Cake, was the brainchild of its volunteers, who bakes two birthday cakes every month for the Singapore Children’s Society.
Highlights of giving journey:
1. Since 2008, Project Intan has supported Assisi Hospice, ARC Children’s Centre and Singapore Children’s Society. They have built a new gym and refurbished the Day Care/Children Centre for Assisi Hospice, and created the Multisensory Room and a flu-free environment for ARC Children’s Centre.
2. In 2015, the initiative raised over $216,000 for their beneficiaries.
