14 March 2009 – It was a field day for 40 needy families in the North West district when NATAS Befrienders, together with staff from both NATAS and North West CDC organized a trip to the Singapore Zoological Gardens.

The programme started when Dr. Robin Yap, who is both a council member of North West CDC and a member of NATAS, linked both organizations up. After some discussion, the idea for the NATAS Befrienders @ North West programme was conceived.

As part of this programme, NATAS will encourage its members to donate to the North West CDC. The target is to raise $20,000 at the end of the project. The funds will then be donated towards the North West Food Aid Fund while a portion of the money collected will be used to organize local tours for needy families.

Said the Guest-of-Honor for the event, Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West District, “In these difficult times, it is even more important to promote community bonding so as to further strengthen the social safety net. The local tour is a good platform for the needy families to bond with each other and their Befrienders, as well as to enjoy themselves.”

Mr. Robert Khoo, CEO of NATAS says, “As part of the fulfillment of NATAS’ corporate social responsibility, we were please to be presented with the opportunity to perform community work when one of our members, Dr. Robin Yap linked us up with North West CDC. With the Befrienders’ Programme, we were also able to engage our members in this meaningful activity.”

NATAS would like to thank the following for contributing to the success of this outing:

• WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd
• The Society of Tourist Guides
• NATAS Befrienders

As well as sponsors of the North West Food Aid Fund to date: