Temasek Holdings sets up charity:
Mentally ill & their caregivers need help
My letter was published in the New Paper on Tuesday 30 June 2009, Page 19.
I refer to the article, “Temasek to give $2m to charity programmes yearly” (The New Paper, 26 June).
I congratulate Temasek Holdings on its 35th anniversary and I am encouraged that it is committed to supporting the community in Singapore through its newly set up charity, Temasek Cares.
I would like to appeal to this organisation to help the mentally ill and their caregivers as this group of citizens have very little support.
Persons with mental illness are shunned, isolated and discriminated against because our society is still not ready to accept people with mental illness.
We must change this mentality if we are to become a first world country.
If Temasek Cares supports the mentally ill, it can be instrumental in changing mindsets.
Indeed, persons suffering from mental illness can be classified as underprivileged and less fortunate.
They desperately need help from the Government and other successful organsations.
Looking after a family member with mental illness is an extremely difficult task and many caregivers have to give up their full-time jobs to focus on taking care of their stricken ones who require round-the-clock supervision. I am in this predicament.
I appeal to Temasek Cares to help us in our extremely difficult journey, taking note of the wisdom of Winston Churchill when he said: “We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give.”
RAYMOND ANTHONY FERNANDO
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