Pals for Active Living (P.A.L), one of the teams under Singapore Pools’ staff community program (iShine), collaborated with Toa Payoh Central Community Centre to bring a group of under-privileged elderly on a shopping spree for daily necessities as part of Project We Care initiative, "Jalan with Your Buddy" on the morning of 15 November 2018. About 100 low income families from Toa Payoh benefited from this initiative.
A total of twenty P.A.L volunteers were matched with 18 disadvantaged families. While bonding with the beneficiaries through a simple tea reception at the CC, the volunteers helped the families work out a shopping list with a sponsored budget of $100 per household. Although the visit met with a heavy downpour, that did not dampen everyone’s shopping spirit. Braving the strong winds and rain, the group made their way safely to a supermarket nearby.
In the process, the beneficiaries chose their desired items, and P.A.L volunteers helped to cart the items while at the same time making sure that the items purchased were kept within budget. After which, the volunteers assisted the elderlies to carry their groceries home. Everyone enjoyed the little shopping trip to the supermarket thoroughly and fostered a warm-hearted friendship at the same time. It was indeed a very meaningful event for both the beneficiaries and volunteers.
“The beneficiaries are very grateful and appreciative to us for helping them to carry their groceries to their doorsteps. This is a rare occasion for them to go on a shopping trip as they would usually just buy from the provision shops below their void deck. I am glad that P.A.L is given this opportunity to partner Toa Payoh Central CC in this meaningful project and bring cheer to the elderly,” said Edwin Quek, a long-time P.A.L volunteer.