1. This year, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) and its statutory boards - the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Land Transport Authority (LTA), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), and Public Transport Council (PTC) - have raised a total of $520,000 for Community Chest, through the MOT Family Charity Outreach programme.
2. Since the inception of the MOT Family Charity Outreach programme in 2010, the MOT Family has raised more than $13 million for Community Chest.
3. Every year, the MOT Family organises an exciting day of activities for Community Chest beneficiaries after the fundraising cycle. This year, 40 elderly and youth beneficiaries, caregivers and staff from REACH Community Services were joined by Senior Minister of State, Dr Amy Khor, for a fun-filled and educational day at the Singapore Maritime Gallery. The participants went out to sea aboard the Penguin Refresh, Singapore’s first fully electric vessel and witnessed a drone demonstration showcasing its new winching capabilities to deliver a goodie bag from the Maritime Drone Estate to the Penguin Refresh. There was also a guided tour of the Singapore Maritime Gallery, where participants learned about Singapore’s rich maritime heritage, and how Singapore leverages cutting-edge technology to maintain its position as a future-ready global hub port. Youths and seniors from REACH Community Services also delighted guests with a performance, featuring an intergenerational song item.
4. REACH Community Services is a major recipient of support from Community Chest, as well as an adopted charity of MPA, that supports needy individuals and families who experience financial hardships and challenging life circumstances, including children from disadvantaged backgrounds, youths at risk, persons coping with mental health issues and lonely seniors.
5. Madam Wendy Tan, a senior supported by the REACH-SLEC Active Ageing Centre @ Teck Whye Vista, said, “I enjoy the exercise programme. The centre is a place for me to de-stress and make friends.” Madam Tan also attended the MOT Family Charity Outreach event, and enjoyed the ride aboard the Penguin Refresh.
6. Chairman of Community Chest, Mr Chew Sutat, said “MOT Family Charity Outreach was started in 2010 as a way to support communities in need. Over a decade later, I continue to be inspired by the generosity and commitment of MOT and its statutory boards to deliver impact to the social service sector. Their contributions enable Community Chest to support over 200 critical programmes that benefit over 93,000 social service users. We look forward to a continued partnership with MOT in sustainable philanthropy efforts to strengthen our social compact.”
7. SMS Amy Khor, who presented the cheque to Mr Chew Sutat, said, “Beyond building an inclusive transport system for all, we also strive to make an impact in other ways, such as through such fundraising activities to help those in need. I hope that the funds raised this year will make a difference to the lives of the many families, youths, and seniors supported by REACH Community Services.”
About MOT Family Charity Outreach
Agencies under the MOT Family contribute individually to programmes supported by Community Chest. MPA has a CARES Team that organises a series of fund-raising activities and raises awareness for a variety of charitable organisations throughout the year. CAAS has a HOPE fund which helps persons with disabilities in Rainbow Centre, and rallies the support of the aviation community to raise funds for Community Chest yearly. LTA has a charity fund, LTA Cares Fund, that makes commuting possible and more accessible for the disadvantaged.