Chao Yang School, under the auspices of the Association for Persons with Special Needs (ASPN), caters to the needs of people with learning disabilities. As in past years, EMC sponsored the school's entire sports day, from tee-shirts to trophies. The children were keen to compete, having been teamed up in four houses, each with their own mascot. The 14 volunteers from EMC enjoyed close interaction with the children and teachers. In addition to helping prepare the children for their races, stewarding the activities, and cheerleading throughout, we also were able to join in a game of Captain's Ball, which we all enjoyed thoroughly.

This is the first year that the event took place at the school field, rather than at nearby Yio Chu Kang stadium. The change in venue reflects the Ministry of Health directive regarding the recent flu outbreak. The school field offered everyone much closer interaction but meant that activities were split between two shifts, the older children in the morning and the younger ones in the late afternoon. Unfortunately, EMC volunteers were also the only group able to help, unlike in previous years, when parents and other volunteers assisted at the stadium.

Nonetheless, it was a fun-filled day for all, and worth every effort. We can see that the school deeply appreciates the Sports Day. We recognize the value of ensuring that Sports Day occurs each year, despite the hurdles. We look forward to our next staff volunteer opportunity to work with one such valuable charities.

On 20 February, participants from Diamond Energy, PowerSeraya, Senoko and EMC brought children from the Child @ Street 11 to the Singapore Zoo, as part of the NEMS charity initiative. Child @ Street 11 is a childcare and after school centre for underprivileged children which the NEMS group had adopted several years back.

This is the third consecutive year that the NEMS group has organised educational outings for the children from Child @ Street 11. The children have been to the Sentosa Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom and also visited an exhibition on prehistoric creatures, "Dinosaurs! A T-Rex named Sue and Friends", at the Singapore Science Centre.

On 20 February, over 30 volunteers from the four organisations took 35 children ages 2 to 6 and their teachers to the Singapore Zoo. Their favourite destination-and where we spent by far the most time-was the newly revamped Rainforest Kidzworld.

The children were most enthralled by the water arena, with its many activities for splashing and playing. Some children were hesitant at first and needed encouragement to try, but by the end of two hours, all were wet and happy-and none pleased-when we called it a day for them at the water arena.

The children also had plenty of practice checking out the animals at the Rainforest Kidzworld and throughout the zoo whilst on the tram rides. It was indeed a fun-filled and exciting day for us all.

We thank everyone for their on-going support of the NEMS charity initiative and look forward to our next opportunity to come together in support of a good cause.