Singapore 2011 Spirit of Giving

Singapore Post released 2 very large stamps on 24 january, under the theme title of "Spirit of Giving", in conjunction with the 21st IAVE (International Association for Volunteer Effort) World Volunteer Conference. The size of both stamps is 73.8 mm x 76 mm; it would be hardput to find space to stick these stamps onto a regular envelope; the last time a very large stamp was issued was in 2006 with a 98 mm x 66.7 mm $2-stamp marking the first Art Biennale (pronounced as bi-na-le) in Singapore.

Unlike many other countries where stamps in aid of a movement include a surcharge, for this issue a sum of S$0.50 was donated to the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) for the sale of every pre-cancelled first day cover or every presentation pack. The stamp design showcases winning entries of a children art competition organized by th NVPC in 2010.

This set of stamps can be obviously classed under the theme of children's art, there is also a very clear drawing of an elderly woman on a wheelchair in the $2.00 stamp, pointing to the theme of the disabled and the handicapped. Surprisingly, the $1.10 stamp design contains the word "vitagen", a specific brand of cultured milk drink, coupled with the rubric "less sugar". I just wonder if this is free advertisement for Vitagen.