The labour movement's U Care Fund has given out over $59.2 million since it was started in 2009 to help low-income union members in times of need, the movement's Assistant Secretary-General Zainal Sapari said on Friday.

Last year, some $9 million was disbursed through programmes such as discount vouchers for groceries, back-to-school vouchers and family recreation packages.

To commemorate the fund's fifth anniversary this year, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is organising two fundraisers. To kickstart its annual fundraising efforts, it is jointly organising a charity golf event on Friday with Orchid Country Club (OCC). The tournament raised nearly $1.5 million in donations from 28 unions and corporations, including $1 million from the NTUC FairPrice Foundation.

On Saturday and Sunday, OCC is also introducing OCC May Fest, a two-day sports and games carnival at the club for workers and their families.