Launch of Nature Cares by National Parks Board

- new community engagement programme that connects corporations, children and community through nature activities

Singapore, 30 October 2012 - A new programme by the National Parks Board (NParks) is underway to encourage corporations and children to serve the needs of the community together through nature-based activities.  Known as Nature Cares, it is the only integrated and structured corporate responsibility programme in Singapore that creates nature-related opportunities for corporations and children to volunteer their time with community groups which include the elderly and children with special needs.  President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who was Guest-of-Honour, officially launched this programme at St Theresa's Home in Upper Thomson today.

For a sustained period of one year, Nature Cares will bring interested corporations and schools together through six organised activities to reach out to a diverse group of beneficiaries. This programme benefits all parties involved:

1. Through regular contact with greenery and the outdoors, beneficiaries have the opportunity to interact with others outside their homes.  Studies have shown that experiencing green environments can have positive effects on the mental health and well-being of individuals.
2. The experience of volunteering at a young age gives the school children room to exhibit care, kindness and empathy through the year-long programme. This is also in line with the Ministry of Education’s focus on Character and Citizenship Education.
3. The positive behaviour exhibited by the corporate volunteers can inspire the young and help sow the seed for them to give back to society when they grow up. Through

Nature Cares, these working adults are able to serve as role models for the next  generation of Singaporeans and give back to society.

Nature Cares will also be an avenue to spur volunteering among young working adults and children.  According to the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre's study of individual giving behaviour between April and August 2010, those aged 25 to 29 were among those aged 64 and below who volunteered the least.  These are the ages when school leavers begin building their careers. The survey also found that among those aged 15 to 29, those who had volunteered in schools are more likely to participate in charity projects later in life. 

"NParks has been conceptualising the Nature Cares programme for some time as we saw the opportunity to connect corporations, children and the community in a sustained and structured platform," said Dr Leong Chee Chiew, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, National Parks Board. "Underpinned by the three pillars of hope, heart and home, this unique programme will connect all parties involved in a meaningful and mutually beneficial way.  At the core of it is how nature can be used in more ways than one to benefit this generation of Singaporeans, and nurture the next."

Supported by the Garden City Fund, NParks' charity arm and IPC, Nature Cares begins its year-long pilot run with Keppel Care Foundation, Queenstown Primary School and St Theresa's Home in January 2013.

At the launch ceremony today, President Tony Tan observed a session held for elderly participants from St Theresa's Home, Queenstown Primary School students and Keppel Group employees, who worked together to decorate driftwood with airplants.  The session is an example of what Nature Cares participants can experience.  Other nature-based activities that participants of various ages can engage in include art-and-craft with plants, terrarium-making, community gardening, roller-blading in the park and guided nature walks.

Mr Victor Seng, Administrator of St Theresa's Home said, "This is a meaningful programme which will enable our residents to get out of their homes and enjoy nature.  Nature brings serenity and vitality to our residents."

Mrs Grace Chua, Principal of Queenstown Primary School said, "In Queenstown Primary School, we desire to develop every pupil to be a concerned citizen who will contribute actively to his community and environment. We are excited about this partnership with NParks, St Theresa's Home for the Elderly and Keppel Care Foundation as it provides our pupils with the opportunities to show care and concern for others, the community and the environment. This programme will help inculcate values of kindness and love for the community in our pupils."

Mr Chee Jin Kiong, Chief Executive Officer of Keppel Care Foundation said, "Keppel Care Foundation is very much akin to the objectives of this initiative of caring and nurturing as it fosters a stronger community spirit while increasing awareness and appreciation of the environment."

A diverse group of beneficiaries will be participating in Nature Cares.  These include Lee Kong Chian Gardens School, St John's Home for the Elderly Persons, Canossian School (a school for the hearing impaired children) and Jamiyah Children's Home.  They will be partnered with schools such as Queenstown Secondary School, Cedar Primary School and Canossa Convent Primary School.  Additional corporate partners who are supporting the programme include Credit Suisse and Ricoh Asia Pacific.  Their sponsorships go into funding the six nature-based activities organised for each beneficiary.

Interested corporations and schools who are keen to support and participate in Nature Cares can contact the Garden City Fund at garden_city_fund@nparks.gov.sg.