MANY stories of people helping people go untold in Singapore, Lim Boon Heng, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, said yesterday.

'In this economic downturn, we need to tell more of such stories to encourage others to do the same.'

Mr Lim was speaking to reporters at a charity lunch for over 250 elderly Singaporeans at the Civil Service Club along Bukit Batok West Ave 2.

The elderly folk, from nine residential areas - Jalan Bukit Merah, Redhill, and Kreta Ayer among them - were treated to a eight-course Chinese meal and regaled with song performances in Mandarin, Hokkien and Hindi.

The oldest resident there, Madam Yee Moh Tan, who lives alone in Bukit Merah View, was 96 years old.

Mr Lim, who at last week's Budget debate revealed a $18 million plan to build more day-care and activity centres for the elderly, continued to speak up for Singapore's ageing population.

'Many older Singaporeans are concerned about their lives in this downturn,' he said. 'The Government will do its part, but so can companies and other organisations.'

He pointed to the Government's plan this year to raise tax deductions on charitable donations, from 200 per cent to 250 per cent.

'In this downturn, it is natural for companies to cut down on expenses, but let's get the word out. Help give our elderly Singaporeans decent lives to enjoy.

'That's what the 'Singapore Family' is about - to share the festivity with those left behind; to help others so that we belong to the same happy family.'