SINGAPORE - More than 160 volunteers from the labour movement and the general public spruced up the homes of 30 low-income families in Tampines on Saturday (July 23).

Among them were North East Community Development Council Mayor Teo Ser Luck and Young NTUC executive secretary Desmond Choo, who helped to wipe down walls and clean ceilings.

"Some of our fellow Singaporeans, especially the elderly, might not be physically able to make their homes safer and more comfortable for themselves. Through Young NTUC's U Heart initiative Project Refresh, our youth volunteers are determined not to leave anyone behind in the progress of our nation and hope to bring the spirit of celebration and cheer closer to homes of these less-privileged families," said Mr Choo.

In U Heart: Project Refresh, residents' flats were spring-cleaned, repainted, and fumigated for bed bugs. The project is part of Young NTUC's U Heart programme, in which young union members mark National Day by doing good.

Saturday's event also included a block party for some 140 residents, with performances and games. The volunteers included leaders from eight unions affiliated with the National Trades Union Congress, members of Young NTUC, youth from Tampines GRC and members of the public.

There are 95 U Heart projects lined up from now until the end of August. But U Heart: Project Refresh aims to go further, with a target of cleaning 100 flats by March next year.