Ground-up efforts like charity's free minimart embody 'we first' spirit: PM

Govt will continue to uplift S'poreans but all have a role to support communities, he says

- Shermaine Ang

Mr Lam Chee Yong was volunteering at a temple when he had the opportunity in 2019 to help local charity Hao Ren Hao Shi (Good People, Good Deeds) distribute groceries to families in need in Redhill Close.

Wanting to encourage his children to volunteer, Mr Lam roped in his family.

Six years on, his two daughters are more enthusiastic than him in volunteering with the charity every Sunday.

Ms Ashley Lam, 23, and Ms Amber Lam, 21, particularly enjoy talking to residents who visit the charity's free community minimarts for families in need.

The Lams were recognised with an Outstanding Family Award at Hao Ren Hao Shi's first fundraising dinner on Sept 29, which raised more than $1.8 million, exceeding its target of $1.5 million.

More than 500 guests, including community and corporate partners, donors and student volunteers, attended the dinner, held at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong attended the event, along with Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua and Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MP Cai Yinzhou.

The charity's founder, Mr Anson Ng, a secondhand car dealer, was named The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2022.

He and a few like-minded individuals started Hao Ren Hao Shi in 2018 to distribute groceries to families in need in Redhill Close.

More than 7,000 volunteers have pitched in to date, helping the charity to serve more than 22,000 individuals and families in 2024 alone.