SINGAPORE - Marine Parade residents living in private residential estates spread National Day cheer by sponsoring goodie bags for under privileged children in the ward.

Residents from the Joo Chiat area sponsored 50 National Day goodie bags for children from low-income families. Each goodie bag includes SG50 memorabilia and vouchers worth $30 for the children to buy books and stationery.

The project was the brainchild of grassroots leader Willie Ho, who chairs a neighbourhood committee at Joo Chiat. "The project helps the integration of HDB and private property residents in the community," said Mr Ho.

The children received the fun packs at a National Day Observance Ceremony held at Marine Parade on Sunday morning.

Some 500 residents took part in the event where Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, who is Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, was the guest of honour.

At the event, the residents watched a live TV telecast of Mr Lee Kuan Yew reading the Proclamation of Independence and sang National Day songs.

After the event, Mr Goh conducted a walkabout around the estate, where he ran into Workers' Party Non-Constituency Member of Parliament Yee Jenn Yong having breakfast at a coffeeshop.

The duo, who are expected to face each other in the contest for Marine Parade GRC in forthcoming General Elections, shook hands and exchange National Day greetings.

Mr Yee, who lives in nearby Joo Chiat, said he was having a private breakfast. "Look at the colour (of the shirt) I am wearing," he said pointing to his red and black polo t-shirt.

The WP's party colour is blue. Mr Yee had contested at the former Joo Chiat single member constituency in the 2011 GE, which has since been absorbed into Marine Parade GRC.