TTC receives $566,250 in donations from the Methodist Co-operative Society
At the donation ceremony held on 13 Feb 2025 (L–R): Ms Dawn Lee, Manager (TTC); Rev Dr Edwin Tay, Principal (TTC); Rev Paul Nga, Honorary Secretary (Methodist Co-operative Society Ltd); Bishop Philip Lim, The Methodist Church in Singapore; Mr John Cheong, Chairman (MCSL); Ms Joni Ong, Chairman (Methodist Schools’ Foundation); Ms Susan Seah (MSF); Ms Leah Chan (MSF)
TTC received donations amounting to $566,250 from the Methodist Co-operative Society Ltd (MCSL). The first donation of $500,000 was received on 25 Sep 2023. The second amount of $66,250 was received on 13 Feb 2025 in a simple ceremony witnessed by Bishop Philip Lim of The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS). The cheque was presented to TTC Principal Rev Dr Edwin Tay by the then MCSL chairman, Mr John Cheong, in the presence of MCSL board members.
The MCSL was established on 25 Jul 1995 as an MCS agency. It was registered under the Registrar of Co-operative Societies and operated under the oversight of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). For more than 28 years, it had faithfully served as a co-operative ministry, supporting the Methodist community, and contributing to society.
In 2022, the MCSL board made the difficult decision to cease operations and to dissolve the co-operative. At the final extraordinary general meeting, it was resolved that after the full distribution of share capital and dividends to members, the remaining funds would be donated equally to TTC and the Methodist Schools’ Foundation (MSF).
The initial donation totalling $1m was presented to TTC and MSF on 25 Sep 2023. Then, following the completion of MCSL’s final audit at the end of 2024, a remaining balance of $132,500 was identified. The amount includes contributions from wholly owned MCSL subsidiary, Hosanna Bereavement Services Pte Ltd (HBS). HBS continues to operate independently after the dissolution of MCSL, upholding its mission of providing support and comfort to grieving families in their time of need.
On 13 Feb 2025, a simple ceremony was held to formally record the donation of $66,250 each to TTC and MSF as requested by MCCY. At the ceremony, Bishop Philip Lim, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers who have dedicated their time and talent to MCSL’s ministry over almost three decades. He also encouraged Methodist professionals to explore innovative approaches to running social enterprises, eg, creating self-sustaining ventures that support community outreach without relying solely on donations and fundraising.
The then MCSL chairman, Mr Cheong, reminded everyone of our responsibility to continue to steward our God-given talents for His glory. He quoted the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) which urged believers to use their skills and resources wisely in service to others. He added that the legacy of MCSL, along with the ongoing work of TTC, MSF, and HBS, is a testament to this biblical call to serve and bless the community.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Pet 4:10
