NUS students raise more than S$212,000 for charities through NUSSU Rag & Flag 2024

NUS students raise more than S$212,000 for charities through NUSSU Rag & Flag 2024

Collective fundraising efforts in aid of 15 social service agencies supported by Community Chest

Students from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have raised more than S$212,000 through the Receiving and Giving (RAG) and Flag 2024 organised by the NUS Students' Union (NUSSU). The funds - contributed by the generous donations from partners, members of the public and the NUS community - will benefit charity programmes under 15 Social Service Agencies (SSAs) supported by Community Chest.

The annual Rag & Flag keeps alive the fine time-honoured tradition established since 1958 to encourage the NUS family and the wider community to contribute towards uplifting the lives of the needy and less privileged. In the last 15 years, NUS students have collectively raised close to S$4.6 million in donations for Singapore beneficiaries through the annual NUSSU Rag and Flag events.

This year, about 1,300 NUS students participated in canvassing for flag donations from members of the public in support of the charity programmes. They fanned out across Singapore with their tin cans on two Flag Days this year, which took place on 27 July and 3 August 2024. The charity effort culminated in NUSSU Rag & Flag Day, held this afternoon at NUS University Town, graced by Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who is an NUS alumnus and a former NUSSU President.

Highlighting the importance of three Cs - Collective, Creativity and Compassion in defining the NUS tradition of giving back to society, Minister Balakrishnan lauded students for being committed to serving the community. He noted how the event had gathered senior students to support and mentor the first-years, pulling together the students' collective imagination and efforts to create the various props and floats for a good cause.

"Rag & Flag has always been a large and significant fixture in the university calendar, and a good way to start the academic year," he said.

Wrapping up the fund-raising drive and as a gesture of appreciation to the community for their generous support, about 1,400 NUS students enthralled audiences with captivating performances and colourful displays at NUSSU Rag & Flag Day. Themed "Back to our Roots", the event showcased 14 energetic performances by NUS students decked out in dazzling hand-made costumes, as well as intricately-decorated thematic props and mobile displays hand-crafted by the students using recycled materials. This year's event also hosted a buzzing Flag Carnival with food, games and handicraft merchandise booths set up by various NUS student groups and hostels.

Mr Huang Ziwei, President of the 45th Executive Committee (EXCO) of NUSSU, said, "NUSSU Rag & Flag stands as one of NUS' most lively traditions, bringing together the community to celebrate our university's heritage while fostering a culture of giving. With our theme 'Back to Our Roots,' this year's event emphasises the core values of generosity and unity, as students showcase performances and engage in fundraising to support the Community Chest, reminding us all of the power of collective effort and compassion. By returning to these roots, we aim to inspire every participant to continue the spirit of giving and receiving, strengthening our bond with the community and highlighting the enduring impact of charity."

The proceeds from NUSSU Rag and Flag 2024 will be channelled through Community Chest to benefit 15 SSAs. These SSAs are:

1. Autism Resource Centre
2. AWWA
3. Care Community Services Society
4. Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association (CARE Singapore)
5. Club HEAL
6. Fei Yue Family Service Centre (Choa Chu Kang)
7. Fei Yue Family Service Centre (Yew Tee)
8. Life Community Services Society (LCSS)
9. MINDS
10. O'Joy Limited
11. Rainbow Centre, Singapore
12. Samaritans of Singapore (SOS)
13. Singapore Association for Mental Health
14. SHINE Children and Youth Services
15. Singapore Children's Society