A dedicated supporter of the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) fundraising efforts, Ms Ivy Ong’s involvement with the Heart To Heart Gala began with a simple, chance encounter that inspired her on a meaningful journey of giving back to a cause close to her heart.
Ivy’s involvement with the
NHCS Heart To Heart Gala, the institution’s signature fundraising event, began in 2018 during a routine visit to NHCS with her father. A conversation about an upcoming fundraising event ignited her curiosity and eagerness to help. This spontaneous act quickly grew into a lasting commitment.
"When I first heard about the NHCS Heart To Heart Gala from my father’s doctor, A/Prof Aaron Wong, I quickly offered my help as I had experience raising funds for other charitable organisations," Ivy recalled. With more than two decades of experience in the field of Communications, Ivy has been able to leverage on her expertise in relationship building and creativity to reach out to corporates and individuals to raise funds and create awareness for this biennial signature fundraising event.
On what motivated her to support the Heart To Heart Gala year after year, she shared that it was the human stories behind the fundraising that touched her deeply. "I get emotional and touched whenever I come across people who need help, but do not receive it or do not know where to find help," she explained. To her, events like the NHCS Heart To Heart Gala is an opportunity for her to give back to the society and make a difference in the lives of heart patients.
Helping Patients to Fulfil their Dreams
Just as she enjoys traveling and outdoor activities such as cycling and sailing to explore new places and meet new challenges, Ivy finds accomplishment in seeing the Gala grow year after year. Her passion for adventure mirrors her dedication to helping others, and both bring a sense of purpose to her life. Through her support for the Gala, Ivy hopes that more heart patients can be empowered to pursue their dreams and continue to live their lives to the fullest - something that she strongly believes in and cherishes.
“We may not be able to alleviate the pain and struggle that every heart patient goes through, but knowing that together as a community, we can come together to bring hope to our heart patients and ensure that they continue to receive the medical care they need - this brings me joy and fulfillment immensely,” she shared. Funds raised from the Gala will go towards the
NHCS Heart To Heart Fund to provide financial assistance to needy heart patients or defray the cost of innovative treatment when patients are unable to go through conventional treatment modalities. Besides helping patients directly, funds raised will also fuel the advancement of cardiac care through continuous research and education.
(L-R): Cycling in Cape Town, South Africa; Sailing in Phuket, Thailand
Spreading the Love of Giving
As heart disease and stroke continue to be on the rise, Ivy also hopes to help raise more awareness in the fight against heart disease. She taps into her extensive network of contacts and business associates, whom she has kept in contact with during her career, to rally for support in the form of donations or auction items for the Gala. “I was happy to reconnect with some of my old friends for this noble cause. The connections made, and the skills and experiences gained along the way had been invaluable to me,” she shared.
In doing so, Ivy hopes to inspire those around her and more in the society to contribute in their own ways to help heart patients. “Every person’s support for the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund, no matter big or small, will help provide crucial financial aid to needy patients and bring hope to their family members and caregivers. You may support the Gala with a donation or help us to spread the word - every contribution counts!”
Join Us to Make a Difference in the Lives of Those in Need
If you are inspired by Ivy and wish to make a difference in the lives of heart patients, you may do so by making a donation to the upcoming NHCS Heart To Heart Gala 2024 happening on 15 November 2024! Eligible donations will enjoy a 250% tax deduction.
Click
here to make a donation today!
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Stories from the heart
