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SINGAPORE: Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew has praised the efforts of voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), saying they offer help beyond what the state can give.
He said when help is funded and administered by enthusiastic supporters, the benefits are greater and there is more appreciation for the donors.
Mr Lee compared this to state-funded welfare administered by officials which could be easily taken for granted. It could also end up being considered as an entitlement, leading people to lose motivation to do their best.
The minister mentor was speaking at the Rotary International Award Presentation Ceremony on Friday evening, where he received the Rotary Award of Honour.
Other recipients of this award include former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, former South African president Nelson Mandela and former US president Bill Clinton.
Rotary International is an organisation of service clubs located around the world which provide humanitarian services. It has 1.2 million volunteer members worldwide and is best known for its initiatives in eradicating polio.
In Singapore, it has played a central role in forming various bodies, such as the Singapore Anti-Tuberculosis Association, the Singapore Cancer Society, the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, the Singapore Dyslexia Association and the Parkinson's Disease Society of Singapore.
Mr Lee has been an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Singapore for more than 20 years.
- CNA/so
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