The People’s Action Party (PAP) Women’s Wing (WW) and the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) have raised $50,000 to help the disadvantaged and vulnerable within our community as part of their celebration for Mother’s Day.  

Attesting to its commitment to make Singapore a better home for everyone where no one is left behind, the Party’s Women’s Wing brought together partners for a collective effort to support the vulnerable among us. 23 Members of Parliament (MP) within Central Singapore District (refer to Annex A) have rallied community partners to support this fundraising effort for charities located within the district. These charities are Dyslexia Association of Singapore, Homeless Hearts of Singapore, Home Nursing Foundation Senior Activity Centre, Montfort Care – Kreta Ayer Family Services and REACH Family Service Centre (Bishan).

Organising Chair of WW Mother’s Day Celebration and MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC Joan Pereira said that PAP Women’s Wing decided to raise funds on a district-level, starting with the Central District, to give greater visibility to the good work done by these charities within the district. “Through our fundraising effort, we hope to reach out to the different groups within the community, including the low-income, homeless, and vulnerable families and help them. We hope fellow Singaporeans will do likewise to help the vulnerable in our midst.”

Besides this fund-raising effort for Mother’s Day, over 200 PAP MPs, activists, union members, and partners also gathered at a bazaar at the NTUC Centre which involved six social enterprises that support women (refer to Annex B). Casting a spotlight on recognition and support of caregivers in this year’s celebration, a key highlight of the event was a sharing session where caregivers shared the challenges of taking care of their loved ones, the support they received, and their dreams and aspirations (refer to Annex C).

Chairwoman of PAP Women’s Wing Mrs Josephine Teo reiterated that the community has an important role to play in supporting caregivers. “Majority of caregivers are women, even though more men are now involved. Regardless of gender, caregivers have their personal needs. Whether it’s promoting fairness at the workplace, sharing domestic responsibilities, or providing a listening ear, we can all play our part to better support them. The PAP Women’s Wing will continue to rally the wider community to take action in support of caregivers. Today’s Mother’s Day celebration is an example.”

Refer to Chairwoman of PAP Women’s Wing Mrs Josephine Teo’s speech.

Refer to Organising Chair of WW Mother’s Day Celebration Joan Pereira’s speech.

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Annex A

Constituencies within Central Singapore District

1. Ang Mo Kio GRC
2. Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC
3. Jalan Besar GRC
4. Tanjong Pagar GRC
5. Kebun Baru SMC
6. Marymount SMC
7. Potong Pasir SMC
8. Radin Mas SMC
9. Yio Chu Kang SMC

Annex B
Social enterprises that participated in the fair

1. Green Cube
2. Sewing Mums
3. Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations
4. Singapore Fashion Runway
5. United Women Singapore
6. Young Women’s Christian Association

Annex C
Information on the mothers who shared their caregiving journeys

• Chong Mee Chan, Ann 张美贞 (52, Founder of SiJun and Friends Home Decor)
Ann Chong, a mother of two, is grateful towards the community for supporting her and her 18-year-old son with special needs. She came to Singapore with her two young sons 13 years ago after her husband passed away due to leukemia. Thankfully, Ann found a supportive community in Singapore. Her employer allowed her to bring Si Jun to work. Si Jun’s art teacher NanC Pey discovered Si Jun’s artistic talent and used his artwork on handbags, tote bags and shawls under “SiJun and friends” label. Founder of Singapore Fashion Runway Ms Eileen Yap then showcased these items on SFR’s platform. Earlier this year, Ann set up SiJun and Friends Home Decor company and would like to provide opportunities for individuals with special needs to showcase their talents through customised furnishing.

• Yasmin Nisha (31, Homemaker)
Yasmin looks after her four children aged three months to nine and her 69-year-old grandmother. Her husband is the sole breadwinner of the family. Yasmin used to work in a clinic full-time, but has since stopped working to care for her children. Although she has heavy care-giving responsibilities, she remains positive and wants to set up a home-based baking business when her children are older.