CHELLIAH1/4 Giving back
Channel: 50FACES
Date: 2014-11-23

Some are born with it and some achieve it. In Dr Jazmyn Chelliah's case, she was certainly born with the fierce passion to help others, especially children. Growing up witnessing the numerous social services performed by her parents which ranged from helping labourers to chairing the St Johns Home for the Aged, this passion was nurtured and eventually led to her too achieving renown as a pioneer responsible for the founding of several voluntary organizations such as Childrens' Cancer Foundation (CCF) and Club Rainbow.

After hearing that children had to be discharged untreated due to financial issues, Dr Chelliah was spurred into setting up CCF. One of her main motivations was to ensure that no child gets left behind as compared to adults, children may be more hesitant and less vocal about seeking help. Besides financially, CCF also helps needy children in other ways like purchasing wigs and organising activities for children in hospital.

Starting up these organisations whilst working full time was certainly demanding but Dr Chelliah pushed through, determined to make it happen. Thankfully, Singaporeans were supportive as well and one thing the organizations never lacked for was volunteers.