President of The Girls’ Brigade Singapore,
Girls’ Brigade Officers and Girls,
Friends and colleagues from MSF, Social Service Agencies and SG Cares Volunteer Centres,
Residents of Jalan Kukoh,
1. First of all, a very good afternoon to everybody. It is indeed my privilege and pleasure to be here this afternoon to kick-off the 5th edition of the Girls Brigade Friend in Deed (GBFD) project.
About the GBFD project
2. Since 2021, the Girls Brigade Friend in Deed project has been providing beneficiaries with practical support, such as home essentials, mobility aids, and school supplies, with each of these gifts tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences. Every wish granted is up to $60 in terms of value, chosen by the beneficiaries themselves, which is indeed a reflection of the project’s commitment to empowering choice with dignity.
3. This initiative has grown steadily over the past five years into a nationwide movement. I am glad to note that this year, the project is fulfilling 5,000 specific wishes – its largest outreach to date – for vulnerable seniors, children and adults. This is made possible through the 66 Girls Brigade Companies, more than 90 social service agencies and many passionate donors and partners.
GBFD supports ComLink+ families
4. As social issues become increasingly complex, community partners such as the Girls Brigade play a key role in rallying resources through networks to uplift families and individuals. This includes our ComLink+ families, who face additional challenges and often have to stretch limited resources to meet various needs that they have. Through ComLink+, the Ministry of Social and Family Development supports and partners families over the longer term, uplifting them to achieve stability, self-reliance and eventually social mobility.
5. It is therefore heartening to see so many Girls Brigade girls coming forward to volunteer their time to support ComLink+ beneficiaries. This year, the Friend in Deed project is supporting nearly 2,700 ComLink+ beneficiaries, up from 400 last year.
6. I really hope that more community and corporate organisations will be part of such efforts because this is what makes Singapore’s social compact strong; our collective strength to ensure that no one is left behind as we progress as one people, one nation.
7. In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Girls’ Brigade, partners and volunteers who have all chipped in to contribute to our shared vision of a more caring and inclusive society.
8. On that note, I thank all of you and I wish you a wonderful and meaningful day ahead. Thank you.