Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the Opening Ceremony of The Boys' Brigade Share-a-Gift Project 2020

Mr Poh Leong Berg, President of The Boys’ Brigade in Singapore

Mr Henry Tan, Chairman of The Boys’ Brigade Share-a-Gift Project 2020 Mr Dennis Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Prudential Singapore

Mr Seah Kian Peng, Group Chief Executive Officer, FairPrice Group Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon. I am glad to be here today to launch The Boys’ Brigade Share-a- Gift project 2020, or BBSG. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Boys’ Brigade on your 90th anniversary.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way we work, move and live, forcing us to adapt as we move cautiously towards a new normal. The pandemic has also affected us in many ways – physically, psychologically and emotionally.

But amidst these challenges, there is also a silver lining. It has been heartening to see Singaporeans from all walks of life stepping up and banding together as a community to help one another. The Singapore spirit still prevails in the most difficult of times.

We have also seen in recent months how non-profits and charities are adapting their programmes and fundraising efforts, which are all the more crucial during these difficult times. Thankfully, many have creatively leveraged technology, enhanced their online outreach and strengthened their digital capabilities, ensuring that these programmes and efforts can go on.

I am glad that BBSG is also making adaptations to their donation drive. For the past 33 years, BBSG has been delivering food hampers to the doorstep of tens of thousands of beneficiaries annually. This year, the BBSG has gone online – by appealing for online donations and distributing FairPrice vouchers instead of food hampers. Though BBSG will take a different form, I am heartened that BBSG remains committed to helping the disadvantaged in the community, especially during this difficult time. Last year marks the first year that BBSG extended its support to children from the KidSTART programme, and I am glad that they are continuing to do so this year. Thank you to BBSG, its partners and sponsors for enabling this year’s project and for playing a part for the community.

As we continue this fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that Singaporeans continue looking out for one another. This holiday season may look different than previous years’, but we can still make this a meaningful one by lending a helping hand wherever we can, supporting the less privileged, and spreading joy in our own ways. If we stand together, we can emerge from this crisis a better nation.

Thank you.