Singapore Church launches aid center

(Aug.24,2010) The Church in Singapore is gearing up to deliver a comprehensive response to international humanitarian needs. Archbishop Nicholas Chia of Singapore recently launched Caritas Humanitarian Aid and Relief Initiatives Singapore or CHARIS, his archdiocese’s umbrella body for overseas aid. The prelate said the creation of CHARIS was the result of much reflection. “We are fortunate in Singapore, where there is economic growth and prosperity,” he said during the launch. However, “There are also many more of our neighbours in greater need, especially those impacted by disasters,” he said.
The Chairman of Charis Willie Cheng said that CHARIS will provide a direct response to disaster situations, as well as general support for other humanitarian situations. One of the first acts of CHARIS, even before its launch, was to aid Caritas Pakistan for the devastating floods. CHARIS gave Pakistan Catholic Church’s social service agency US$50,000 and arranged for the delivery of 816 water filtration units.
Lesley-Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis, applauded the creation of CHARIS and its entrance into the confederation of 165 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations around the world. CHARIS will complement the work of Caritas Singapore, which focuses on helping the poor within the country. CHARIS will also have programs to mobilize and help form Catholics for overseas mission work.