FOREIGN workers form a significant group in Singapore, comprising 30 per cent or more than 900,000 of the nation's 2.73 million workforce. They play a vital part of Singapore's economy, as noted by the Prime Minister, to "help us enlarge the economic pie"' (ST 2008, PM's May Day Speech).
Yet, many foreign workers especially the low-wage earners, are often left on the fringe when it comes to access to healthcare in Singapore. Living in a foreign culture can also put added strain on their mental and emotional states.
An aspect of HealthServe's work is to assist in their adjustment and productivity in their new environment. And we help by providing affordable and holistic health care services aimed at promoting the physical and mental well-being of foreign workers. HealthServe also seeks to engage with vulnerable groups who are at high risk to sexually transmitted and other communicable diseases.
Support the Community
1. Provide a Meal
Having three meals a day is something that most of us in Singapore do not fret too much about. We have food waiting for us on the table at home and we think nothing of eating out. And if we do fret, it's about which restaurant or hawker stall to visit for our foodie sessions. But there are those in the community who do not have the means to buy even one decent meal a day.
By giving food coupons to low-wage migrant workers who cannot afford a meal because they have no income -- either because they are caught in salary disputes or workmen compensation cases with their employers. Beneficiaries get two meal coupons (worth $2.50 each) a day and can redeem them from our partner stall vendors in Geylang.
Another project complementing the food coupons system kicked off in January 2011 -- The Geylang Food Project (GFP). Inspired by TWC2’s Cuff Road Project in Little India, the GFP seeks to provide distressed Chinese migrant workers who hold a Special Pass with an environment where they can tuck into a warm, satisfying meal at a stall serving authentic Chinese food in Geylang.
Support our effort in providing fresh, hot meals for the poor and disadvantaged groups. Money from this fund will also go to feeding the local poor and needy in the community.
2. Have Bike will Travel
Got an old bicycle collecting dust in the garage? Why not give it away for a good cause? We’re collecting bicycles for low-wage migrant workers to use as a means of transport. If you’d like to give away your old bicycle, please contact Vina Siew at 6743-9774 or e-mail vina(at) healthserve.org.sg
3. Goodie Bags for Migrant Workers
A little gift never fails to cheer and warm the heart. We are putting together goodie bags of daily essentials as welcome gifts for migrant workers who come to HealthServe.
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- face towel
- soap bars
- shampoo
- toilet roll
- shaver (new)
If you’d like to contribute to any of these, please contact Vina Siew at 6743-9774 or e-mail vina(at)healthserve.org.sg |
