Nurturing a culture of care and giving

Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth at the launch of 3M Step-Up Challenge @ South East 2019, at Wisma Geylang Serai

Mr Seah Kian Peng, Vice-Chairman of South East CDC

Ms Yuko Nakahira, Managing Director, 3M Singapore

CDC District Councillors

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you at the launch of the 7^th edition of the 3M Step-Up Challenge @ South East 2019.
2. It is really great to see so many of you here today. We have over 1,000 participants here – from very young participants from PCF Sparkletots, to participants who are young at heart from Filos Community Services and Team Strong Silvers. For every 30 minutes of exercise we do, one 3M safety or household product will be contributed to a South East beneficiary. Thank you for giving your time and attention as we step-up for a good cause together.
   
   

   Nurturing a sustainable culture of care and giving through corporate volunteerism

3. Corporates like 3M Singapore are very important players in volunteerism. A lot of us spend much of our time at work, and would want to work with a company that does good for the community. This collaboration between 3M Singapore and South East CDC is an example of corporate and community partnership. It shows how different partners can leverage on each other’s strengths and resources to nurture a sustainable culture of care and giving back to the community.
4. As shown by the 3M Step-Up Challenge, 3M Singapore has mobilised and empowered their employees for social good. When we are able to partner and work with one another, there is so much we can do. Through platforms like the 3M Step-Up Challenge, Singaporeans from all walks of life can come together and create social bonds, as we find new and innovative ways to contribute back to the community meaningfully.
5. Last year, 3M Singapore brought together a diverse community through the 3M Step-Up challenge, involving 79 partners including schools, grassroots organisations, corporates and social service agencies. Together, over 53,000 participants clocked more than 40,000 of exercise hours over 70 roadshows. I look forward to seeing more participants joining in, as we continue to grow this partnership between the community and corporates. 
   
   

   Living out the spirit of SG Cares through volunteerism 

6. The theme for this year’s 3M Step-Up challenge is the “Spirit of Volunteerism”. It really does not take much to do good and care for someone. In fact, it is the small, every day acts of kindness that makes a real difference to those around us. Everyone can volunteer and contribute, and this spirit of helping and giving for a more caring and inclusive Singapore is one of the reasons why we started the SG Cares movement.
7. Once again, I would like to thank everyone here for volunteering your time today. For those who are new to volunteering, I hope this marks the start of your volunteering journey. If you are a volunteering veteran, I hope you can go the extra mile to rally more people to come forward, and make the SG Cares movement something that defines Singapore.
   
   

   Conclusion

8. In closing, all of us are threads making up Singapore’s social fabric. Every one of us is a vital force in keeping the spirit of SG Cares alive. Together, we can continue our legacy of care, and make Singapore a more caring and inclusive home for everyone.
9. Thank you.