While the poor are starving and the homeless have to rough it out in the open, these fat cat Politicians are drinking, eating and singing to their hearts content.
Sir, please take a look!
[h=1]13.02.23 Food Distribution in Paya Lebar Division[/h]<abbr title="February 24, 2013" data-utime="1361649600">February 24</abbr> ·
· Taken at Paya Lebar Division
Ushering the Lunar New Year with the Spirit of Giving in Paya Lebar
By Qiyu Jaslyin
While many of us relish in the festivity of the lunar New Year with delicious goodies and cosy reunion dinners, the volunteers of the Paya Lebar Food Program did not forget about the less fortunate among us.
On the sunny afternoon of 23 February 2013, some 40 beneficiaries gathered at Blk 117, Hougang Avenue 1 to collect their monthly food rations from Member of Parliament (MP) for Aljunied GRC (Paya Lebar Division), Mr Chen Show Mao and the volunteers. Door-to-door deliveries were also made to some of the beneficiaries who are immobile.
This month however, saw something extra with red packets being given out by Mr Chen in celebration of the Lunar New Year. In addition, the beneficiaries were also treated to a modest tea reception at the void deck, an activity which started last month to foster community bonding and neighbourly ties.
The Food Program started since November 2011 and has grown through word-of-mouth, house visits and referrals from the weekly meet-the-people sessions. The organising Chairman, Ms Frieda Chan said she hopes to reach out to a total of 80 beneficiaries by end of 2013 through the same channels.
To qualify for the Paya Lebar Food Program, the residents have to meet the following criteria:
- Must be a resident in Paya Lebar Division, Aljunied GRC
- Earning not more than SGD$400 per capita income
- In financial distress and lacks social/emotional support
- Able to fulfil their basic needs through the program
The typical profiles of beneficiaries of this program range from the elderly desolate to the middle-aged, low education, odd job workers who could not find another job after being retrenched. There were also some who were unfortunately plagued by multiple health problems or dire family circumstances, which made it near impossible for them to work or secure employment in the long term.
One of the beneficiaries, Ms Siti* shared that she “really appreciates the help of this program, which helps ease her financial burden, especially since she had to quit her job some three years ago to care for her mentally ill father”.
A typical food ration comprises staple food items such as baked beans, sardines, rice, bread as well as fresh vegetables and eggs.
Quarterly Food Donation Drives are held to source for donations of the food items. The first donation drive for this year will be held on 16 March, 2pm – 4pm at Blk 143 Lorong Ah Soo. Donors can refer to a list of standard food items to donate and more details will be made available on posters at the lift lobbies and bulletin boards in Paya Lebar Division in the coming weeks.
*Name changed for privacy reasons.
