Sharity Elephant, the well-loved and recognised local charity mascot, is moving online.

Created by the Community Chest (ComChest) in 1984, the cuddly pink elephant, whose birthday is on Children's Day (Oct. 1), has encouraged and inspired generations of local schoolchildren to be caring, sharing and compassionate towards the underprivileged.

Up till 2008, Sharity, whose name is derived from the words "share" and "charity", would often feature prominently in the ComChest's fundraising drives.

This was how Sharity looked like in the past:

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Sharity went into retirement from 2008 onwards, but re-emerged in 2015 with support from the Ministry of Education, according to the Straits Times (ST).

ST also reported that, the revived Sharity Elephant paid a visit to Methodist Girls' School on Mar. 21, much to the delight of the teachers and students there.

In his new online incarnation, Sharity now has an updated, cuter look. He also has his own website that features games and animated videos to engage, inspire, and encourage the new generation of schoolchildren to be more caring and sharing.

This is what he looks like today:

For those who have forgotten what Sharity's story is like, here is a refresher from ComChest:

When Sharity was little, he was mocked at simply because he was pink and looked different. He was very sad but instead of sulking, giving up or running away, he put on a brave front and continued doing all the things he loved.

When Sharity played a game, he included everyone. When he snacked on his favourite peanuts, he shared with his friends. And when he received his pocket money he remembered those who were not as lucky as he was and put aside some to give to the less fortunate.

Every other week, he made new friends, volunteering with his family and making a difference in someone’s life. Slowly, through his caring gestures, he won over the hearts of everybody, even those who had initially ridiculed him for his appearance. He had become his own hero! Not only had he changed his life, he had impacted so many others in the community through his thoughtful acts.

Today, we first see his warm ways and big heart before we even realise that he is indeed a strikingly bright pink!

And here are more facts about this lovable mascot:

Sharity’s Birthday: Sharity’s birthday falls on Children’s Day! It is a double celebration every year and he has a great time. But it does not stop with him enjoying and receiving. It is about giving too. Sharity ensures that it is always a ‘charitable birthday’, when he brings together his privileged and less privileged friends together, to ‘do good’.

‘Hands On’ Sharity: He uses his pocket money to give and takes time out of his schedule to help others. Yes, his parents and teachers help him but it is all his initiative and effort.

Charity is a Habit: To Sharity, charity is a habit and he practises what he says. Giving and caring for those less privileged is part of his routine and everyday life.

Keep sharing and caring, Sharity!

Top image from here and here.

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