Teck Chuan with some of his balloon sculptures. (Photo: Tan Teck Chuan)
Long-time Xponents will be aware that Tan Teck Chuan, our Director of Platform Systems Sustainment Centre, is an avid balloon sculptor who has been using his skills to support charitable causes even before HTX was launched.
On 4 November 2023, Teck Chuan led his team of enthusiastic balloon sculptors to raise funds for the Purple Parade, whose adopted charities support persons with disabilities. Teck Chuan shared that his team has participated in the Purple Parade since it started 11 years ago, and that 100% of the proceeds of the sales of their balloons and balloon sculptures are donated to the Purple Parade.
Teck Chuan, Ai Lynne (5th and 6th from left, back row), and other Xponents came together to bring the X-factor to the Purple Parade. (Photo: Tan Teck Chuan)
A contingent of Xponents from Building and Infrastructure (B&I) Sustainment Centre was also at the Purple Parade. This was not their first time at this charitable event. As B&I Director Chan Ai Lynne explained, “When we knew about the Purple Parade in 2022, we decided to form a HTX B&I contingent to support this meaningful event to raise awareness. We hope to participate yearly hence we also went again this year.”
Giant rubber duckies! (Photo: Tan Teck Chuan)
Do you want a duck or a rabbit? (Photo: Tan Teck Chuan)
By the close of the Purple Parade, their total sales had exceeded expectations – the balloon sculpture team had raised over $6,000 for charity, breaking their own record for over the past decade!
The balloon sculptures were a big hit at the Purple Parade! (Photos: Tan Teck Chuan)
If you wish to learn balloon sculpture, Teck Chuan’s ever-growing team of volunteers teach this unique skill at community centres across Singapore. Xponents interested in this art form should keep their eyes peeled for these courses!
And let’s not forget next year’s Purple Parade. As Ai Lynne shared, “The atmosphere, the camaraderie, the joy and laughter from everyone there while soaking in all the festivities is so enriching and touching. I strongly encourage all Xponents to spend a meaningful Saturday wherever the Purple Parade is held!”
