$3.07 million raised for Methodist Welfare Services scheme to help families in debt

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong (centre) led 200 people to set a new Singapore Book of Record in performing the longest bicycle rim rolling relay. PHOTO: SAMANTHA BOH
The Wheely Fun Family Carnival organised by the Methodist Welfare Services was launched by Health Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong (centre). PHOTO: SAMANTHA BOH

SINGAPORE - A programme initiated by the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) to aid families struggling with debt has raised a total of $3.07 million, which will go towards helping more than 600 families.

The Getting Out of Debt or Good programme, which was started in January, will ease the burden of these families by between $2,000 and $5,000 each.

"It is a huge load off my mind as I am really finding it tough to juggle our family's expenses on my salary," said a Good Programme beneficiary who only wanted to be known as Ms Evelyn.

MWS Group Executive Director, Mrs Jenny Bong said many families in need find it challenging to plan for the future, invest in their children's education, or build assets and savings when they are beset by chronic debt.

"By clearing their debt, the Good Programme provides a fresh start, so they can take concrete steps out of the poverty cycle, such as getting rid of bad money habits, and starting to save."

Mrs Bong said the MWS also plans to roll out a debt management programme.

More than 2,000 families, cyclists and beneficiaries also gathered to celebrate Singapore's Golden Jubilee and the 130th anniversary of the Methodist Church in Singapore on Saturday, at a charity event organised by MWS called Wheels for GOOD.

The event was flagged off with the 50km Scenic Ride that covered spots around Singapore such as Upper Thomson and Punggol, and a 13km Fun Ride around the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. Following that was a Wheely Fun Family Carnival, launched by Health Minister Mr Gan Kim Yong, who also led 200 people to set a new Singapore Book of Record in performing the longest bicycle rim rolling relay.

Visitors to the carnival participated in various activities including a wheelchair basketball Challenge and inline skating challenge.

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