Giving generously in the celebratory spirit of SG50

Mr. Lee Kim Siang, Chairman of Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society, 

Dr Lee Ngak Siang, CEO of Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society, 

Sin Chew's Directors – Mr. Tan Mok Yong and Mr. Loh Kai Boon

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

1. A very good morning to all of you! First, let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 新年快乐！

2. I am happy and grateful to be invited as an “old friend” for this event year after year. This donation drive is into its tenth year. It is good to see it grow from strength to strength, made possible by the strong support from all of you.

3. This donation drive is remarkable, not just because the needy benefit from the funds raised, but also because the help is extended to Singaporeans regardless of race, language, culture or religion.

4. I remember seeing 5-year old Ayuni on TV at the recent Thye Hua Kwan Charity Show. She is diagnosed with Global Developmental Delay, and as she is unable to walk independently, she was rejected by many childcare centres previously. After joining the Thye Hua Kwan EIPIC centre, her motor skills have improved and she is able to express herself quite well now.

5. Thye Hua Kwan runs more than 60 programmes and services for the community. One of which is the Seniors Activity Centre at Telok Blangah, within my constituency. Every morning, the elders will have morning exercises. In the afternoon, the centre will have different activities like music classes, Traditional Chinese Medicine sessions, and even yoga! So beyond providing the elders a place to gather and bond through activities, the centre actually plays a vital role for the elders and the neighbourhood. Mr Ian, the Centre Manager shared with me that they help to keep a look out for the “regulars”. For example, if an old lady, who frequents the centre, did not turn up for two days, the centre will try to find out what is wrong. Even if it turns out that nothing bad had happened to the elders, letting them know that there are people who care and look out for them, also gives comfort to them.  As such, Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) like Thye Hua Kwan are instrumental to our society.

6. In the celebratory spirit of Singapore's Golden Jubilee, I would like to encourage everyone to continue to step forward by giving generously to help build a better Singapore for all. Thank you.

   太和观主席 李锦祥先生，

   太和观总裁 李岳祥医生，

   星洲神佛用品超级市场董事–陈睦永先生, 罗开文先生各位先生女士们，

7. 一转眼，又是一年。再多几天，就是农历新年。借此机会，和在座的大家先拜个早年！祝大家羊年 - 洋洋得意、身体健康！

8. 今天早上，我很高兴再次受邀出席太和观慈善笑佛筹款活动，和你们–这群老朋友相聚。

9. 这个活动已迈入第十个年头。每年所筹集的款项不仅仅帮助有需要的国人。难得的是，受惠的新加坡人是不分宗族、语言、文化或宗教的。这在多元种族的新加坡是非常重要的。要打造一个更具包容性的社会，除了政府实行的政策，也需要像太和观这样的自愿福利团体，和广大民众的支持。

10. 太和观为社区提供超过60 种项目和服务。我的选区 - 拉丁马士，有三分之一以上的居民年龄在50岁以上。太和观在红山、直落布兰雅就设立了乐龄活动中心。在座的你们就像我的居民，应该都了解他们多数孩子和孙子白天在工作，一个人在家里很无聊。到乐龄活动中心，不仅可以和邻居聊天，中心还为他们安排音乐课，中医看诊，甚至瑜伽等，对身心有益的活动。中心的负责人也会留意常常出席活动的乐龄朋友们。若是观察到有人好几天没到中心活动，就会尝试联系他。这样的慰问，除了能及时为有需要帮助的居民伸出援手，也无形中让年迈的居民感觉到社会的温暖。

11. 在人口老化的新加坡，太和观也意识到居家护理的需求日益增加，开始提供临时居家护理。这样的服务为有需要的病患，在出院后提供暂时性的帮助，直到病患得到妥善的安排，设想周到。84岁的吴先生患有慢性阻塞性肺疾病，必须依靠长期的氧气治疗。在太和观护理人员的细心照料下，吴先生的病情在2个星期内便有所进步。

12. 自愿福利团体像太和观，在我国扮演着举足轻重的角色。你们在帮助他人的当儿，提倡了舍己为人的精神、提醒我们为善最乐。我所属的文化、社区及青年部就很鼓励类似太和观这样的自愿福利团体，帮助新加坡打造和谐及具包容性的社会。今年，在我国庆祝建国50 周年之际，希望大家多加行善， 一同打造更美好的新加坡。

13. 最后，我再祝愿大家新的一年，烦恼“羊”长而去！谢谢。