Embracing the spirit of sharing and caring

Speech by Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, at The Boys' Brigade Share-a-Gift 2016 Opening Ceremony

Prof Ho Yew Kee, President of The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore

Mr Lui Chong Chee, Chairman, Organising Committee for The Boys’ Brigade Share-a-Gift 2016

Ms Angela Hunter, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Prudential Singapore

Mr Seah Kian Peng, CEO (Singapore), NTUC FairPrice

Partners
Ladies and Gentlemen

1. A very good afternoon to all of you. I’m delighted to join you at the opening of The Boys’ Brigade Share-a-Gift campaign (BBSG), and to present early Christmas gifts to our elderly friends from Yuhua Neighbourhood Link.
   

   Share-a-Gift at Yuhua

2. When BBSG started in 1988, one of its objectives was to encourage Boys Brigade (BB) members to give back to the community. Indeed, the BBSG embraces the spirit of sharing and caring for the more vulnerable members of our community. This year, more than 3,500 BB boys and officers are working together with volunteers to bring festive joy to over 38,000 individuals in need. This is also the first time that the BBSG is here at Yuhua Village Market, as part of its efforts to engage more Singaporeans at our neighbourhood estates. I look forward to contributing to BBSG together with the Yuhua family. Indeed, as Prof Ho has mentioned, this is the first time that we heard the sound of bagpipes, here, in this part of town. Thank you very much for such wonderful music.
   

   Inspiring others to pay it forward

3. I’m heartened to know that the BBSG has inspired many BB boys and officers to continue paying it forward. Take for example Samuel Tan, a BB officer from the 7th Singapore Company. Samuel has been part of BBSG for the past 6 years. Beyond that, he has also volunteered at student care centres, given his time to tutor primary school students in Mathematics, and mentored his juniors at camp. Although Samuel is currently serving National Service, I’m happy to hear that he is looking forward to doing his part again for BBSG this year.
4. Please join me to give all our BB boys and officers a big round of applause for dedicated service and their contribution to the community. Particularly, on behalf of the Yuhua residents and also the needy recipients, I would like to say a very big thank you to the BB officers and boys.
   

   Building a caring and inclusive society

5. Community-led initiatives like BBSG exemplify the spirit of the shared future we want for Singapore – where every individual, regardless of background, is ready to roll up their sleeves and extend a helping hand to those in need. When we care and look out for one another, we grow closer and stay united as one people.
6. At the same time, your willingness to care for the more vulnerable members of our community shows how we all play a part in building a more compassionate and inclusive nation. Each of us has unique talents and skills that we can use to help our fellow Singaporeans, and build a better and brighter home for all. So to all of you involved in BBSG, thank you very much for your hard work. Thank you.
   

   Building corporate partnerships

7.  I would also like to commend all the corporate sponsors and partners like Prudential Singapore, NTUC FairPrice, Far East Organization, as well as co-sponsors, Tan Chin Tuan Foundation and Credit Suisse, for supporting the project. Strong partnerships among the community, volunteers and corporate sponsors have played an important role in BBSG’s journey of giving.
8. Beyond financial support, I’m happy to learn that the sponsors have given their time and expertise to help BBSG grow. As I heard from Mr Lee earlier on, Prudential Singapore helps pack and deliver food hampers to BBSG beneficiaries. NTUC FairPrice has more than 10 collection points at its stores, and provides an online platform via FairPrice Online for donors to purchase and donate food hampers. I heard that we are trying to reach out to Singaporeans overseas for this very good deed, and I would like to offer our network in the government.
9. We have the Overseas Singaporean Unit that stays connected with Singaporeans all over the world, and we hope to be able to publicise your very good deeds on our social media platforms as well. I’m sure many of the Singaporeans overseas look forward to a way of contributing and staying connected to Singapore. I think it is a really wonderful idea for Singaporeans who are overseas to also do their part to contribute to their home country. I would like to congratulate both Prudential and NTUC FairPrice for being good corporate sponsors, going beyond just financial support, by offering their volunteers and putting their resources to good use.
   

   Conclusion

10. I encourage more Singaporeans to give generously. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of others and make Singapore a home with heart. Thank you!