Celebrity aesthetician Dr. Georgia Lee is no stranger to glitz and glamor. The director of skin clinic TLC Lifestyle and newbie DrGL Loves DrSpa, Dr Lee is better known for her interest in designer fashion and social activities than her community spirit. Here, she talks about using her influence to support causes that don’t always get their share of the spotlight.

What sort of charities have you been involved with recently?
I have been a patron of the “Make a Wish” Foundation (www.makeawish.org.sg) for the last two years. I was previously in the committee for Heart Foundation (www.myheart.org.sg) and recently helped to raise funds for the Singapore Dragon Boat Association (www.sdba.org.sg). It is a lesser-known non-profit organisation and I admire the relentless “fighter” spirit of the dragon-boaters.

What causes are you most passionate about then?
The charities and causes I support are varied as I believe in spreading the good and also prefer to help out smaller or less known organizations where more help is needed. I do, however, have a weakness for charities involving children especially when it comes to bettering their education.

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As a socialite, your life is perpetually under public scrutiny. Was this a driving influence in your charity work?
I have always, as a child and growing up, preferred to give more than to take, and would take note of all the good deeds bestowed upon me so that I could pay them back. My husband told me once that I would never be rich as I am generous to a fault and I have since learned to be more discerning when it comes to giving. I would usually give to families that I know need help, and it was only recently that I came out more publicly to help charities. It took a close friend and a few patients to persuade me to do so. They told me that I have been very much misunderstood as someone who did not share. But it was when I was told that I could influence and do so much more by coming out to help that I made up my mind to do so publicly.

Which charity ambassador do you admire most?
Every single person who gives as much as he or she can afford and especially those who give when no one is watching.

NEXT: The Green Gal About Town

Do Your Bit for the Disabled
• Be a champion for the blind
Volunteer at the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped Flag Day on Mar 12 from 9am to 5pm. For more details, contact Ms Margaret Woo at 6251-4331 ext. 162 or email enquiries@savh.org.sg.
• Do some thrift-shopping
Drop by APSN Centre For Adults Thrift Shop at 29 Jalan Tembusu on weekdays and the first Sunday of each month from 9am-3pm. When you pick up that book you’ve been searching for or that stylish vintage jacket, you’re also contributing to the association’s funds.
• Offer a job
Bizlink Centre is a non-profit organization that provides employment for people with disabilities through its Employment Placement Program. Got a position you think they’d be interested in? Call 6449-5652 or email info@bizlink.org.sg.