SINGAPORE – More than 60 Indian restaurants came together on May 18 to give out 60,000 meals to migrant workers across the island, in recognition of their contributions to Singapore’s development, as part of SG60 and Labour Day celebrations.
Organised by the Indian Restaurants Association with support from the Ministry of Manpower, the initiative was Singapore’s largest single-day food distribution drive for migrant workers, the ministry said.
Vegetarian, non-vegetarian and oriental cuisine packets of food were distributed at Birch Road in Little India, 28 dormitories, five recreation centres and several places of worship.
More than 160 volunteers from Millenia Institute and Peirce Secondary School, government agencies and community partners helped with the distribution.
Some 15,000 meals were given out at the Birch Road distribution centre, which was set up as a vibrant community space with interactive activity stations and cultural performances.
Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, who was the guest of honour at this venue, joined the migrant workers and volunteers for a meal at about 7pm.
Speaking at the event, Dr Tan acknowledged the efforts of the 60 restaurants involved in the initiative, which the organisers had been planning since February.
“From as early as 4am this morning, our dedicated restaurant partners started their food preparation and have been serving fresh meals for our migrant friends throughout the day.
“It is a tall order – but one that has been delivered with a generous helping of heart and a dash of delicious purpose.”
He added: “Labour Day is a day to honour the spirit of hard work, commitment, and perseverance shown by workers across different sectors in Singapore. As we celebrate SG60 this year, it is fitting that we also remember the sacrifices and contributions of our migrant friends in the Singapore success story.
“Your contributions to building our homes, maintaining our infrastructure and keeping our city running smoothly have been invaluable. This celebration is our small way of saying ‘thank you’.”
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