A team of full-time staff led by its Territorial Commander, Colonel Hary Haran, runs the Salvation Army Singapore. They are closely partnered by the National Advisory Board, which comprises eight business and community leaders who voluntarily provide their professional skills and knowledge.
A reflection of the changing times, the scope of the Board has expanded over the years. “From time to time, we should look into refreshing the Board so that we can bring in people with different capabilities. For example, we now have a Board Member who advises on public and government affairs. To ensure good governance, we have another Board Member with the right investment skills to manage our reserves, while the actual execution of the day-to-day responsibilities are managed by the staff,” said Chairman of The Salvation Army National Advisory Board, Dr Bill Foo.
What binds the Board together is the firm commitment to serve the community not only through assisting with the community’s physical needs but also through showing love, care and compassion to fellow mankind.
“We are guided by our core Christian values: to love God with all our mind and soul, and to love our neighbours as ourselves. Our efforts to show love in our service to the community will not change,” added Dr Foo.
While the present Board comprises leaders with Christian beliefs, the Army is eager for non-Christians to join them too.
Mr S. Dhanabalan, presently the sole Patron of The Salvation Army Singapore and its former Chairman of its National Advisory Board of ten years, explained, “The Board is an inclusive one, and it only supports the charity work of The Salvation Army and not the Army as a church. The Charity and Church arms are kept separate. Regardless of religion and race, we serve the community by going where the need is.”
Dr Foo agreed, “Our work is multi-religious and multi-racial. When it comes to service to mankind, we do not differentiate. God loves us, and we respond to his love by doing our best for society.”
Both leaders are heartened by the work of the Army over the past decades.
Mr Dhanabalan cited the care and assistance for children – be it those who were abused, at risk or those with a parent in prison, as an area that especially touched his heart. “We have seen how having a good start will affect a child’s whole life,” he said.
“It is heartwarming to witness first-hand how The Salvation Army has made a difference to the lives of our many beneficiaries over the years,” added Dr Foo. “As we reflect on our past journey, we must also evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the community. While our core Christian values which include loving our neighbours as ourselves will not change, we must continually review our programmes and ask ourselves where are the areas with a growing need that are under-served? Can we do more for eldercare, daycare, and mental wellness? How do we secure the necessary resources to meet those needs? How can we be more creative in growing our donor and volunteer bases?”
Dr Foo emphasised the need to garner greater support from local companies and Singaporeans to help the vulnerable. “My birthday wish for the Army is to continually stay abreast of the changing needs of society and for more Singaporeans, regardless of faith or religion, to work together to show compassion and care to those who need a helping hand.”
Mr Dhanabalan agreed with Dr Foo’s call for action. He urged, “We need Singaporeans from all walks of life and like-minded companies to join us, be it to serve alongside the team, or to be a volunteer or donor. It is meaningful work, especially when we see the longer term benefits where those who received help eventually blossomed to pay it forward by rendering help to others too.”