| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
SINGAPORE : Ten family service centres funded by the Community Chest are getting a million-dollar shot in the arm to help them reach out to families in need.
The donation came from NTUC Fairprice Foundation.
Madam Chng Pek Har is grateful for the financial support she is receiving from the Moral Family Service Centre (Buikit Panjang), one of the beneficiaries.
The 41-year-old earns S$300 a month as a part-time banquet assistant, while her husband makes about S$1,200 a month as a rag-and-bone man.
With the help of the family service centre, her three school-going children get an allowance, which pays for their school fees and textbooks.
Madam Chng also attends financial management workshops organised by the centre.
"During the workshop, we gather with some parents, exchange some ideas. From there, I also learn how to budget ... how to save money, ... plan for the further future."
The Community Development, Youth and Sports Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, said charities such as the NTUC Fairprice Foundation play an important role alongside Voluntary Welfare Organisations in helping those in need.
He added: "Ultimately, I hope it will be part of an eco-system in which people will be able to find jobs, get access to affordable food, and truly I see a system of VWOs, cooperatives, social enterprises, social service agencies, all filling up and enhancing our social safety net."
The Foundation has pledged to donate S$50 million to various charitable causes over the next 10 years.
- CNA/al
|
