Coronavirus: Community groups launch site to help low-income families after Sunday Times feature

The initiative called Mind the Gap was put together by several volunteers after an outpouring of sympathy from the public. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM GIVE.ASIA

SINGAPORE - Community groups have joined forces to launch an online platform to help low-income families whose plight during the pandemic was featured in The Sunday Times.

It noted the systemic gaps that these families face such as food insecurity, cramped living quarters and low wages.

These shortfalls inspired the name of the initiative - Mind the Gap - which was put together by several volunteers on Sunday (April 19) after an outpouring of sympathy from the public.

More than 100 readers contacted The Straits Times directly with several more commenting on its social media pages.

Many said they wanted to provide financial assistance or groceries with some even offering employment to those who had lost their jobs or income in the circuit breaker period.

Mind the Gap was set up to distribute these offers effectively and quickly to families who need them most urgently.

It has also set itself a target of raising $50,000 to augment the campaign.

Nominated MP Anthea Ong said it is wonderful that the Sunday Times pieces inspired groups to co-ordinate their support for the different communities they serve.

"Donating to this campaign instead of directly to individual families ensures a more rational and equitable distribution of resources based on needs," said Ms Ong, who founded A Good Space, one of the organisers of Mind the Gap.

Members of the public who want to help can visit this website.

Donations will go into a common pool of funds that will support households served by organisations such as the Association of Women for Action and Research, Cassia Resettlement Team, Daughters Of Tomorrow, ReadAble and 6th Sense.

In-kind donations such as food or groceries can also be made at the site or by contacting Beyond Social Services, one of the participating organisations, at mail@beyond.org.sg.

The platform's website also allows employers to offer job opportunities to breadwinners from low-income families.

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