Man who organises reunion dinners for seniors wins Silent Heroes award

Even after filing for bankruptcy in 2015, Mr Thomas Chua never stopped caring for the elderly.

- Koh Ming Lun

Mr Thomas Chua, 64, and Ms Kyra Sing, 19, are among the five winners of the annual Singapore Silent Heroes award. The accolade recognises individuals who have carried out acts of humanity and compassion without seeking recognition or reward. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

(ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG)

He and his wife started distributing food packets to seniors in 2008, first in Mei Ling Street and Bukit Merah.

In 2010, they moved on to Ghim Moh and Holland Village, before finally serving the community in Jalan Kukoh from 2018.

They funded this on their own at first, after learning that few organisations distributed food on the weekends.

In 2010, they started receiving support from food charity Willing Hearts. The couple have three children now in their 30s.

Mr Chua continued providing food and organising activities for seniors during his financial troubles from 2012 to 2015, when his various business ventures failed because of technological disruptions.

Today, with support from friends and churches, the 64-year-old runs GOLD Ministry from the first floor of an HDB block in Jalan Kukoh, where he and around 20 volunteers serve the community.