Singapore Government Press Release Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts, 36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5 __________________________________________________

SPEECH BY MR ABDULLAH TARMUGI

MINISTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

AT CHARITY DINNER IN AID OF

THE THYE HUA KWAN MORAL SOCIETY

MARINA MANDARIN BALLROOM

FRIDAY 7 MAR 97, 8.00 PM

Good evening

Mr Richard Eu, Chairman, Organising Committee,

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

Ladies and gentlemen

Thank you for inviting my wife and I to this very meaningful event this evening. Tonight's event, as we all know, is aimed at raising funds to help finance Thye Hua Kwan's yearly operating budget of nearly $4 million.

2 Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society has been a key voluntary provider of social welfare services in Singapore for the last two decades. They have worked closely with the Government, and have always been keen to pioneer new projects to meet the needs of individuals and families who are affected by changing socio-economic circumstances. One such project was the setting up of Seniors Activity Centres which act as a source of community help and a place for social interaction and mutual support for senior citizens living in HDB one- and two-room rental flats. In recognition of the Society's good track record, my Ministry has recently entrusted them with the responsibility of running a new home for destitutes of Henderson Road, which will begin its operations this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society for helping MCD to fulfil its Many Helping Hands Approach.

3 The Society's contributions continue to grow every year. You manage an extensive range of community projects that serve all ages - from children to the elderly, from tuition classes and toy and book libraries to a home for intellectually disabled children.

4 The Society also gives cash assistance to the poor. Its Emergency Relief Fund helps poor families tide over difficult periods. Starting from 1979, under "Project Sunshine", the Society pays the monthly HDB rental and service charges for some 60 poor families identified by my Ministry or other welfare agencies. Many Singaporeans, especially those from the lower-income group, have benefitted from the Society's tireless efforts.

5 But it seems that Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society never runs out of steam. This year, its new home in Chai Chee, will be the first in Singapore to cater to the needs of disabled adults. Demand for such a Home is ever present, as some disabled adults would not be able to look after themselves when their parents and other loved ones pass on. The Moral Home for Disabled Adults is scheduled to take in intellectually disabled adults and adults with multiple disabilities within the next three months.

6 It is remarkable that Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society has kept abreast with the changes in our society and has updated its services to meet emerging needs. It is the commitment and this willingness to venture into new services and programmes that has made Thye Hua Kwan a successful voluntary welfare organisation. I hope that theirs will be an example for others to follow.

7 Finally, I would like to thank all of you here who have willingly contributed to furthering the cause of Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society. Your generous contributions will go a long way to helping the Society fulfil its aim of helping others in need.

8 I wish all of you a very pleasant evening.

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