On 4 July 2019, ADA was honoured to receive a S$1 million donation from leading palm oil company, Musim Mas Holdings. The generous donation is set to help improve the lives of those living with dementia and caregivers, and will go towards providing one year of financial assistance for over 300 families who have loved ones with dementia who may not be able to afford the fees at New Horizon Centres.
The donation will also go towards sponsoring new cognitive and physically-stimulating enrichment activities and programmes at Family of Wisdom centres.
Speaking at the donation ceremony was ADA Committee Member, Ms Sasha Foo, who shared her caregiving journey for both her parents who have had dementia.
“If you are struggling to care for your loved one with dementia at home, seek help. You can send your loved one to a dementia daycare centre. The staff are professionals and they will effectively engage the person with dementia during the day. When their minds are kept active and cognitively challenged throughout the day, they naturally get tired out so that when they go home, they, and you, can rest better,” said Ms Foo, emphasising the importance of daycare centres for both persons with dementia and caregivers, as well as the donation’s impact by subsidising daycare fees.
The cheque for S$1 million was presented to Dr Ng Li-Ling, Vice-President of ADA, by Mr John Hall, Managing Director of Global Business Oleochemicals at Musim Mas. The event was also graced by Mr Desmond Choo, Mayor of the North East District and Adviser to Tampines GROs. Before the cheque presentation, Mr Hall shared a touching story on his own experience dealing with dementia, as his loved one was previously diagnosed with the condition.
“In ADA, we have found the perfect partners who are passionate about improving the lives of those around us who need help. We are glad the money will go a long way in improving ADA’s host of programmes and services aimed at helping both persons with dementia and their caregivers,” said Mr Hall.
To tackle dementia stigma and work towards ADA’s goal towards a more dementia inclusive society, part of the funds will also be allocated towards ADA’s brand-new awareness campaign, titled #DespiteDementia. #DespiteDementia aims to target the current low knowledge levels about dementia in Singapore by increasing education and exposure in the community. The campaign also seeks to urge people to focus on what those living with dementia can still do despite living with the condition, rather than what they cannot.
ADA would like to thank Musim Mas once again for the generous donation, and we look forward to a fruitful and long-lasting collaboration together.
