SINGAPORE – The start time for a $1 Marketplace in Hougang was 10am on March 29 but, by 8am, a queue of about 300 people had already formed at Ci Yuan Community Club.
These early birds were among 1,000 residents who had pre-purchased a $1 ticket to be part of the event, entitling them to bag groceries worth about $12 to $13, such as cabbage, lettuce, oranges and lemons.
The produce were provided by the Hougang Village Merchants’ Association in support of the marketplace hosted by the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Citizens’ Consultative Committee and Ci Yuan CC management committee.
Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Darryl David, who turned up at about 9.30am and spotted the long but orderly queues of mostly senior citizens, decided to start the event earlier.
“Don’t worry, don’t rush, take your time. And after you have taken everything, there are many other activities for you to check out here,” he told the participants who came with bags and supermarket trolleys.
Homemaker Koh Chai Hong, 70, who was among the earliest to queue, said: “I didn’t suffer any loss, it’s worth it. This is fun and I came early to mingle with the people in the queue since I’m bored at home.”
Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Darryl David (right) distributing fruits and vegetables to residents on March 29.ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Ms Laxie Mary Sequeira, a 76-year-old retired insurance professional, said she was glad that, for $1, she could get something “fresh and substantial” as “every bit helps” to cope with the cost of living.
She took part to connect with fellow residents too. “Maybe I can get to know 50 people at this event today,” she quipped.
Ms Laxie Mary Sequeira said she was glad that she could get something “fresh and substantial” as “every bit helps” to cope with the cost of living.ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
The $1 Marketplace is the first of three similar events, organised as part of SG60 activities in the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang area, to foster stronger connections, care and active contribution within the community.
Mr David said: “It’s not like you come and then we give you a pack and then you go off. We want to build that sense of community where people come down and participate and have something to look forward to.”
He added: “It’s an opportunity to unite the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang community, bringing together heartland merchants and residents to celebrate our collective strength and solidarity.”
On March 29, the marketplace also had an SG60 message board where one could leave messages of gratitude and support for heartland merchants.
The organisers also launched a stamp card initiative to encourage participation at monthly SG60 events, including Racial Harmony Day and National Day carnivals. Ang Mo Kio-Hougang residents who attend at least two events will receive a $60 NTUC voucher per household.
The organisers also launched a stamp card initiative to encourage participation at monthly SG60 events, including Racial Harmony Day and National Day carnivals.ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
Mr Francis Swee, president of Hougang Village Merchants’ Association, said the marketplace is one way to give back to regular customers of its over 100 members.
“The items we have picked align with the ‘Heng Ong Huat’ prosperity slogan that we have in this area,” he added. “So we included prosperous items like oranges, pineapple and cabbage.”
The association, which will organise a trade fair in Hougang Village with about 30 stalls for 19 days starting on April 26, is also planning to give about 1,000 vouchers for residents to spend at participating outlets in May.
The $1 Marketplace is the first of three similar events to foster stronger connections, care and active contribution within the community.ST PHOTO: TARYN NG
The next two $1 Marketplace sessions will take place on April 27 and June 22 at the same venue, with $1 vouchers on sale at the Ci Yuan CC.
On the upcoming $1 marketplaces, Mr David said the organisers are still engaging the partners on what to provide for the residents.
“In a way, it’s something the residents can look forward to with a sense of anticipation,” he added. “One certainty is that for $1, whatever you get will be much more than $1. The items must also have a practical use for the residents.”
- Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage.
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