Media Release: The Singapore Judiciary brings cheer to the Society for the Aged Sick

Since 2015, the Judiciary Cares committee comprising Judges and staff of the Supreme Court, State Courts and Family Justice Courts has been organising a joint activity each year ⁽¹⁾ to reach out to the needy and less privileged members of society. On 1 November 2016, the Judges and staff from the three courts visited the Society for the Aged Sick (SAS), a voluntary welfare organisation that runs a 404-bedded home for the aged sick and destitute.

2. Volunteers are an important pillar in the Singapore Judiciary, complementing the work of the Courts. The awards given out include the Legal Assistance Scheme for Capital Offences (LASCO) Award which recognises volunteer lawyers for their dedication to pro bono criminal defence in capital offences at the Supreme Court, and the Outstanding Court Volunteer Award comprising three categories – Open Category, Advocate and Solicitor Category, and Student Category – which recognises volunteers in various vocations including mediation and court-user assistance at the State Courts and the Family Justice Courts.

3. Besides entertaining the residents through songs and dance performances, Judges and staff from the three courts presented each resident with a windbreaker, food and toiletries, as well as organised a lunch and carnival of food and games for them. An excursion to the Singapore Zoo was also arranged for some of the residents. Mr Eric Teoh, President, Society for the Aged Sick, said: “We are thankful that the Judiciary has allocated their time and resources for the residents at the nursing home. We are always heartened by the many volunteers and donors who have come forward to lend a hand to those in need. A little goes a long way in supporting the beneficiaries. With many more coming forward, we can make a difference in their everyday.”

SUPREME COURT

STATE COURTS

FAMILY JUSTICE COURTS

1 NOVEMBER 2016