In a time when community bonds are more crucial than ever, the People’s Association (PA) Community Spirit Awards shines a spotlight on partner organisations that have demonstrated outstanding dedication and efforts in building a more caring and cohesive society.
Here is a look at five of this year’s 143 award recipients on their collaborations with PA to uplift the community.
Alleviating cost of living for families through free groceries
In a heartfelt effort to alleviate the cost of living for lower-income families, Bukit Panjang Division and Al-Iman Mosque joined hands to establish the Community Pantry in 2022 (pictured above), providing families with the opportunities to redeem essential groceries, thereby reducing their financial strain.
Al-Iman Mosque played a crucial role in maintaining the stores and coordinating the distribution of groceries. They also brought in partners such as Sri Arasakesari Sivan Temple and Assumption Pathway School to regularly replenish the pantry. In just two years, Community Pantry has touched the lives of about 1,000 residents, making a significant impact in the local community.
Empowering young minds with digital skills
Recognising the importance of empowering young ones with digital skills and fostering innovation within the community, Kampong Chai Chee Division initiated the Tech Saturday programme in 2021 and brought in partner VIVITA Singapore to equip these young learners with digital skills at no cost.
Through engaging monthly hands-on sessions, the programme not only nurtures digital skills such as robotics, graphics design and coding, but also fosters friendships and boosts their confidence. VIVITA Singapore has played a pivotal role by rallying their network of partners to engage youths from schools to share their digital skills with the younger children.
Refreshing homes, rejuvenating lives
In a heartwarming display of community spirit, student volunteers from Global Indian International School (GIIS) dedicated their time and energy to clean and refresh the homes of vulnerable seniors and lower-income families.
Their dedicated efforts included cleaning and scrubbing windows, doors, kitchens and floors, rejuvenating the homes of those in need. GIIS onboarded the North East CDC’s Project Refresh Programme in 2022.
While the initiative was designed to improve living conditions, it has also fostered meaningful connections as the students reached out to befriend isolated seniors, offering comfort and companionship.
Instilling self-discipline among youths through floorball
Since 2021, Smol Sports Pte Ltd has been a champion for floorball in Cheng San-Seletar Division, actively engaging children from lower-income families and vulnerable youths in weekly floorball training sessions, providing them a safe and nurturing environment to thrive in.
The collaboration has also led to the formation of a Floorball Interest Group, a testament to their shared objectives and positive impact. With Smol Sports’ ongoing support to make the sport more accessible, the children and youths went on to form a team to compete in the ActiveSG Cup Floorball Year End Smash 2023, showcasing their skills on a larger stage.
Building a sustainable and green community
As a strong advocate for sustainability, ITE College West has partnered with Brickland Division since 2020 to spearhead exciting green initiatives in the community. One of the signature programmes was the Brickland-ITE Green Festival in 2023, where students facilitated a wide range of programmes and hands-on workshops to educate residents on environmental sustainability.
ITE College West also leveraged its partner network Komoco Pte Ltd to showcase the latest advancements in electric vehicles and their environmental protection benefits. The two-day festival was a resounding success, drawing over 2,000 residents eager to learn more and support green practices.
