Celebrating 20 Years of Community — Fundraising Highlights & What’s Next

From December 2024 to the end of February 2025, Neighbour Ring Community Services (NRCS) marked a special milestone — 20 years of serving and growing with our community.

This fundraising season was not only a celebration of how far we have come, but also a call to partnership for the journey ahead. For much of our history, NRCS has been sustained by a familiar group of faithful supporters. We have operated within our means, doing what we could with the resources entrusted to us. But as the needs of our community grow, so must our posture — from maintaining what we have, to investing boldly into the future.

A key highlight of this season was our 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner — a gathering that brought together community partners, members, former staff, and friends who have journeyed with us through the years. It was an evening filled with warmth, reconnection, and gratitude — a reflection of what NRCS stands for.

In his speech that evening, our Executive Director, Daniel Xu, captured the heart of NRCS’s journey: "Real change — the kind that matters — rarely starts with big moments. More often than not, it starts with ordinary people who decide to show up."

That simple belief has shaped NRCS from the very beginning — ordinary people choosing to show up for one another, day after day, year after year.

The Gala Dinner also featured our first-ever silent auction, which was warmly received and raised over $7,000. More than the funds raised, we were encouraged by the spirit of generosity and connection in the room — a reminder that NRCS has never worked alone, but always in partnership with those who care deeply for this community.

Throughout the campaign, we were overwhelmed by the response and support we received. With the additional support of the Tote Board grant, the entire fundraising campaign raised over $500,000 — a result that exceeded our expectations and humbled us deeply.

These funds will sustain our current programmes — the heart of our everyday work with seniors, families, and residents. It gives us momentum to expand our counselling services, so that help is within reach for those who need it most. It also allows us to refresh some of our critical facilities — creating safe, welcoming spaces for life and community to grow.

But beyond the numbers, what encouraged us most were the stories behind every contribution. Members rallied their families and networks to give. We launched our very first Giving.sg campaign and were blown away by the response from the public. And time and again, we were moved by personal notes of encouragement from donors — quiet reminders that this work continues to matter.

As we look ahead, we remain grounded in the simple truth that has carried us through the past two decades. As Daniel shared that evening:

"If we keep showing up for one another, day after day, year after year, something good will come out of it."

This season has given us renewed courage — and much-needed resources — to press on. To dream bigger. To love deeper. And to continue being a community that gives itself away for the good of others.

To every supporter, donor, and friend of NRCS — thank you. The community is better off because of you.