Welfare groups get funds to help members deal with haze

SINGAPORE - Community Chest has set up a fund to enable voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs) to implement measures to deal with the haze situation.

The fund can be used to buy items such as masks, mobile fans, air filters or portable air con units to protect the elderly and young residents and beneficiaries in senior day activity centres, residential homes, day care centres and early intervention centres. An initial sum of $200,000 has been set aside.

VWOs are advised to contact their relationship servicing staff at the National Council of Social Service.

Persatuan Pemudi Islam Singapura (PPIS) East Family Service Centre (FSC) and Marine Parade FSC have already tapped into this fund.

Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman of Community Chest said Community Chest is responding to help the disadvantaged through their supported charities.

"We want to make sure that the special needs children and vulnerable elderly are looked after. We want to help our charities to be nimble and indeed a few have already tapped into this fund."

Mr Chan Chun Sing, Acting Minister for Social and Family Development said he is heartened to note the swift response by Community Chest to set up the fund to help VWOs tackle the haze.

"This is a good example of community coming together to look out for one another, especially the vulnerable, children and elderly. We would certainly encourage more to come forward to help those in need."