With the cost-of-living pressure looming large, the PAP Government is committed to ensuring that necessities such as food and transport remain affordable for all Singaporeans. But besides government-led initiatives, including an enhanced Assurance Package, our MPs and branch activists have introduced many ground-up efforts to uplift Singaporeans in small but significant ways. Because here at the PAP, we believe that each of us has the power to do good in building a fairer and better Singapore.
Spreading warmth to our communities
Without a doubt, our branch activists are our eyes and ears, helping to look out for the disadvantaged among us so that nobody would fall through the cracks.
This belief has led MP Mr Melvin Yong (Radin Mas SMC) and a team of 100 volunteers to distribute care packs to over 700 families in the Redhill estate. “The care packs contain various daily necessities which we hope will be useful for our residents,” shared MP Yong.
Similarly, MP Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok SMC) is determined to spread joy within the Indian community ahead of Deepavali. “Joined fellow party activists in sharing food and groceries to less fortunate families…(because) together, we can brighten lives and make our community stronger,” noted MP Murali.
Partnering with businesses for good
Capitalism need not be a dirty word as businesses express interest in helping those in need as part of corporate social responsibility. Seizing these opportunities, our MPs have begun linking up organisations with ground-up efforts to expand support for their residents.
Partnering with eyewear retailer Lenskart, MP Mr Tan Kiat How (East Coast GRC) has launched a community initiative to provide free spectacles for needy residents in Kampong Chai Chee. “We understand the importance of vision care…and I am glad to see residents benefiting from the complimentary eye test and eye health talks,” shared MP Tan.
Meanwhile, MP Ms Poh Li San (Sembawang GRC) is excited to welcome food logistics company TreeDots joining the food rescue efforts in her constituency. As a result, residents can now enjoy additional food items like frozen vegetables and dry rations on top of fresh greens.
“It’s been a struggle for many low-income families to put enough food on the table…Therefore, we are determined to continue our efforts to help residents reduce living expenses and eat healthier foods,” added MP Poh.
Showing care for our seniors
This October, we celebrated the International Day of Older Persons. However, showering care to our seniors has always been a year-round affair for the PAP.
Recognising how regular haircuts are part of a self-care routine that brings joy, a void deck is transformed into a pop-up hair salon every month, providing free haircuts to our seniors. Special thanks to our volunteer hairstylists and activists for stepping forward to organise the event, noted MP Mr Patrick Tay (Pioneer SMC), who is keen to build a Pioneer for our pioneers.
Finally, with older adults at more risk of loneliness, PAP branches have been organising regular programmes to help seniors stay socially engaged. This time, we took our seniors for a sponsored shopping trip to NTUC, shared MP Mr Alvin Tan (Tanjong Pagar GRC). And judging by their big smiles and even bigger shopping bags, it is safe to say that the outing was a success.
Under the backdrop of an increasingly polarised and fractured world, the PAP will continue to push for change, help vulnerable groups through ground-up efforts and speak up on the issues that matter. And in doing so, inspire even more Singaporeans to step forward and co-create a kinder future where nobody is left behind.
Photo Source: Tan Kiat How/ Melvin Yong/ Poh Li San/ Patrick Tay/ Alvin Tan/ Murali Pillai via Facebook
