My Journey With SANA So Far

5 years ago

SANA Adventures

What Does SANA Do?

Did you know that SANA (Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association) was set up 47 years ago, in response to the negative influence of drug abuse? Other than research & prevention, this registered charity is involved in aftercare & reintegration to rehabilitate ex-offenders. Therefore, work with these clients is sensitive & in a non-judgemental space. Success involves building up their self-worth and enabling them to move on with their families.

My adventures with SANA as President officially began in June. I attended the AGM with my stepdaughter M2. I remember explaining to her the work SANA does, introducing her to the retiring President, as well as staff & volunteers with SANA. After the elections, I met the new SANA Board. Although I was nervous, the outgoing President assured me I had a great team. Indeed, I’m so grateful for them as it’s been pretty intense!

Opening Ceremony Of SANA Step-Up Centre At Taman Jurong

One of my first official duties was the opening of the SANA Step-Up Centre at Taman Jurong on 17 July. Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health, Mr Amrin Amin, was our Guest of Honor. Since this satellite compound is meant to help youths in this area, SANA organised for to meet them at the finals of a futsal tournament. Consequently, I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with these youths and their mentors. As I gave out medals to the participating girls’ teams I felt proud that they were making an effort to reclaim their physical & mental health through sports.

Rise Above Campaign 2019

Soon after, on 27 July, I was thrilled to unveil the new SANA outreach campaign at Teck Ghee Community Club. In order to overcome the influence of drugs, we engaged the youths themselves as advocates against drug abuse. As GOH, Mr Amrin Amin & I toured the various stations we met extraordinary youths. One boy showed me an animated cartoon that demonstrated his personal encounter with drugs and how he overcame it. At the end of the event, I met a lady who cried because her young son was struggling with addiction as well. As a mother, I find the story of intergenerational drug abuse particularly tragic. I hugged this mother and assured her we would be there to help her and her family.

SANA Charity Golf & Dinner 2019

For the past few months, I’ve been busy meeting other partner organisations. It’s encouraging that there is a strong network that supports the ex-offenders from different aspects. Other than the Yellow Ribbon Fund, I learnt more about the ReGen Fund: Hope Is A Colour Beyond Black And White.

As for SANA, our major fundraiser this year was on 10 September at the beautiful Sembawang Country Club. Guest of Honor, Mr Patrick Tay, Member of Parliament for West Coast GRC, gave a warm and heart-felt speech before dinner began. At his suggestion, we then went around the room and met every single dinner guest. This included sponsors, friends, staff and clients. What a swell idea. When the band, themselves clients of SANA, played a medley of rock songs, many in the ballroom clapped & sang along. Subsequently, two clients of SANA, Jasmine & Stephen, shared about their difficult journeys towards recovery from drug abuse. In fact, their stories moved us so much, we all gave cheers of support, led by the wonderful emcee, Evangeline. The vibe was incredible.

#jadeadventureswithsana

Every year, over 6000 individuals benefit through programmes organised by SANA. However none of these are sustainable without the support of the community. I realise that it’s not just the peers of the clients but like-minded friends whose support can push these programmes towards success. This is why I’ve decided to share about my involvement with SANA. So that friends who would like to support our clients and their families can understand how they can help. If you would like to be a part of the this movement, do reach out. Everyone deserves a second chance at life, so let’s make this happen, together.

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