Work Integrated Learning 2006

Funding Frustrations

Some of the readers out there may not understand the title at first. But read on as I explain why this title is appropriate...

The government officiated the Yellow Ribbon Project and I foolishly thought that companies will support by funding. To my disappointment, there was only 1 company out of 6 that i approached that is willing to sponsor items, not funds. During the launch, I saw a few established companies sponsoring the officiating of the YellowRibbon project but when my group try to ask for sponsors, they gave some excuses and rejected. If they want to reject, no need to beat around the bush, just say no. Frustrating isn't it? I will not mention which GLC it is but I approached 1 big shot, foolishly thinking that the head of the company will sponsor since she belongs to the Lee dynasty. Well, now I know that they are interested in one thing and one thing alone, $. They 'tekan' the locals to get more money out of us to go and invest. Too much... As the saying goes, no money no talk. How much more appropriate can it be.

Few or should I say rarely or even none will one chance upon a company that donates with no strings attached. Companies will still be companies, they are looking for profits or recognition. How much more realistic can it get? Well, we can't totally blame them because we are brought up in a realistic society where we are encouraged to chase the 5Cs (for a period of time) during the late 1990s. There's a chinese proverb that goes "Ascending to heaven is difficult, begging people is tougher". This proverb always comes to my mind whenever I get rejected.

When I was in year 2, I was being taught that apart from earning money from society, we need to give back to society. If this is true, I'ld like to invite the person who told me that to come up on stage and present our team a cheque because 'the society' can sure use some help now. Well, like I said, this is reality, harsh reality if you will.

The government now wants us to be a gracious society and started the 4 million smiles campaign. Easy, just distribute money and you can get them to smile. The more money you give, the wider the smile.

Now you guys know why I put my title as Funding Frustrations. Because in my point of view, we are living in a realistic society, where funds are hard to come by. Especially for WIL (sniff...)
Up to date, I've approached 15 companies, only 1 have agreed. The others have rejected or don't bother to reply. Sad right?

posted by Sam87 @ 7:53 PM