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1000 underprivileged households in Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng receive gift boxes as part of 'SG60 Build with Love' initiative
The 1,000 boxes were assembled by KAKS residents and volunteers.
January 04, 2025, 04:31 PM
As part of 'SG60 Build with Love' initiative, 1,000 underprivileged households in Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng (KAKS) received the KAKS SG60 Gift Boxes on Jan. 4.
The campaign was organised by KAKS Grassroots Organisations (GROs) with the aim of fostering unity, inclusivity, and care among residence while celebrating Singapore's 60 years of nation-building.
The 1,000 boxes were assembled by KAKS residents and volunteers. They contain lifestyle items sponsored by corporate partners and donors including Sheng Siong and Xiao Yuan Marketing.
The gift boxes also contain personalised messages for recipients, with each message card containing preschoolers' drawings of their perspective of Singapore.
During the event, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, along with advisers to Jalan Besar GRC GROs Minister Josephine Teo, Heng Chee How, Denise Phua, Wan Rizal, and adviser to Potong Pasir SMC GROs Sitoh Yih Pin joined 60 residents to complete the largest Singapore map made from the SG60 gift boxes.
Group photo with the largest Singapore map made of gift boxes. Image via Kreta Ayer - Kim Seng Constituency Office 牛车水—金声选区办事处
Emphasising the significance of the event, Teo said that the initiative is not just about the gift boxes, it also "embodies the spirit of 'together we grow'".
"It brings together people from all walks of life — young and old, volunteers and residents — each contributing to the larger picture."
Past, present, future
The event featured three areas reflecting Singapore's past, present, and future.
Area one depicts the seniors' daily lives in Chinatown chatting about the past of Singapore.
Wong and advisers interacting with 77-year-old Quek Tiong Swee.
Area two shows the future of Singapore, with young participants expressing their ideas through drawings.
Area three represents the present of Singapore, highlighting the contributions to the country's growth and social cohesion made by community volunteers and corporate sponsors.
Quek Tiong Swee, a resident of Chinatown for over 60 years, said:
“Over the years, I have seen Singapore grow from a small fishing village to the bustling, modern city it is today. Chinatown, too, has transformed, but the spirit of community remains strong. It’s heartwarming to see the younger generation joining hands with us to celebrate Singapore’s 60th anniversary and continue building a caring society."
Top image via via Kreta Ayer - Kim Seng Constituency Office 牛车水—金声选区办事处
