Established 47 years ago in response to the negative influence of a rising drug epidemic, Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association (SANA) is a registered charity focusing on both research and prevention measures, as well as, aftercare and reintegration – helping to rehabilitate ex-offenders. These services encompass working closely with each and every individual to rebuild self-esteem and create future prospects moving forward. SANA prides itself as a successfully sensitive and non-judgmental space.
The annual Charity Golf and Dinner, is a fund-raising event which funds SANA programs for at-risk youth, recovering individuals and their families. Some of these programs include a preventive drug education initiative for secondary school students from Uniform Groups, known as the SANA Badge Scheme, and an online confidential chat service known as Talk2SANA for other struggling youth.
Offering face-to-face counselling, ex-offenders and their family may also receive support in their recovery and reintegration through a channel known as Case Management Services. These services include but are not limited to tattoo removal, legal aid, job assistance, as well as, training and skills upgrading.
Held on September 10th at the Sembawang Country Club, this year’s Charity Golf & Dinner welcomed the esteemed West Coast GRC Member of Parliament and the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law, Mr. Patrick Tay as Guest of Honor. Commencing with a Double Peoria Stableford game of golf, the event followed through with a mass dinner and prize presentation.
Gathering a total of 180 distinguished guests, recently elected SANA President Dr. Jade Kua, welcomed the crowd, reiterating the importance of community support in helping raise awareness of Singapore’s domestic drug-abuse – while two of the charity’s clients Jasmine and Stephen shared personal stories of immense pain and recovery. Their key message, that drugs take a hard-toll on the lives of its users and often result in the loss of familial ties, opportunities and time.
SANA’s efforts go beyond the glitz and glamour of charity events, on 17th July 2019, Dr. Kua hosted Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health, at the official opening of SANA’s Step-Up Centre @ Taman Jurong – marking a concerted effort to directly reach out to recovering ex-offenders and their families in the community. Other initiatives included the SANA ‘Rise Above’ Campaign which launched on 27th July 2019 with an aim to encourage youth advocacy through education against drug abuse.
With over 6,000 individuals benefiting from SANA’s preventive, aftercare and reintegration programs – Dr Kua gives thanks to all supporters of the organisation, stating, “Whether you support us financially or volunteer your time, you are a positive influence in the lives of our clients and the people around them.”