Skip a meal to feed the needy

Say NO to nonya curry. Pass on the prata. Take a rain check on the rojak.

Ngee Ann Polytechnic launched its Fast-a-Meal SG50 Campaign yesterday, encouraging its 8,000 students and 800 staff to skip a meal and donate the money to charity.

The fund-raiser, on until next Friday, will help enhance awareness of the less privileged. It aims to raise $50,000 for the Ngee Ann Poly Student Aid Fund and Touch Community Services, which runs a meals-on-wheels scheme for needy senior citizens.

The group's community relations director, Mrs Anita Low-Lim, said: "We are excited to work with Ngee Ann to highlight the importance of helping the elderly age in the comfort of their own homes."

The poly's product design and innovation students have built a "Hunger Tunnel" on campus, featuring video clips that highlight the plight of the needy. Lead designer Nathaniel Ng Wei Tun, 19, said they made the tunnel out of cardboard because some needy citizens "make ends meet" by collecting the material for recycling.

The poly's senior director Choo-Yeo Cheh Hoon said: "Giving to charity is nice, but it can be passive. We wanted to do more. It is not just about giving money, but also about raising awareness and walking in the shoes of the underprivileged."

Marine and offshore technology student Hafiz Rosli, 21, said: "I'm familiar with fasting as a Muslim, but the campaign makes us aware of those who cannot afford their next meal."

Product design and innovation student Anna Chua, 18, said: "An average meal for me costs $5. I can skip one and donate the money. I'm used to fasting for religious reasons, so it won't be too hard."

This article was first published on May 16, 2015.
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