Children help to raise money and shop for items for needy residents in Yuhua SMC

SINGAPORE - Children aged between four and six have helped to raise $6,000 to buy household appliances and other items for underprivileged residents in Yuhua SMC.

The funds were raised as part of the annual Pay It Forward Day organised by voluntary welfare organisation Adventist Community Services (ACS) on Sunday.

Cildren from the Seventh-Day Adventist kindergarten found out from the residents what they needed and shopped for the items with the help of Pay It Forward "ambassadors". The 360 children raised the money by asking their parents for donations.

Besides the electrical appliances, the recipients will also get ang paos, vouchers and grocery hampers.

Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Member of Parliament for Yuhua SMC presented the items to the recipients on Sunday.

The event, which was held at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, this year included a carnival.

As part of the project, about 200 volunteers visit beneficiaries every month for six months to check on their health and share ways on living healthier lifestyles.

"We decided to start involving kindergartners in our Pay It Forward project because we believe it gives young children the invaluable opportunity of getting to know and appreciating their elders," said ACS chairman Mr Eric Teo.

jalmsab@sph.com.sg

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