The Society of Interior Designers, Singapore (SIDS) has raised $15,000 for the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund through a t-shirt fund-raising project which aimed to champion the contributions of migrant workers in Singapore.
Featuring designs by prominent local designers such as Andrew Loh, Kenny Lim, Damian Tang, Jackson Tan, Janice Wong, Keat Ong, Kelley Cheng, Kenny Hong, Khairudin Saharom, Look Boon Gee and Peter Tay, the t-shirts which carried messages of support such as “Stronger Together” were sold for $38 per piece.
At a cheque presentation ceremony graced by Senior Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad, a cheque of $15,000 was presented by Prof. Keat Ong, President of Society of Interior Designers, Singapore to Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of the Migrant Workers’ Centre, who is also the Deputy Director General of National Trades Union Congress. The money raised will go to the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund, the humanitarian charity of the Migrant Workers’ Centre.
“The migrant worker community is one that is close to our hearts since many of us in the design and construction industry work very closely with our foreign friends. During this time of hardship, we want to show them that they are not forgotten and are not alone,” said Prof. Keat Ong.
“Our t-shirt drive is a symbol of us standing in solidarity with our migrant worker population. And we hope that with everyday Singaporeans wearing these t-shirts and spreading our message of love and acceptance, we can bring the Singapore and migrant worker communities closer together.”
“This is more than just another fund-raising campaign. This is about coming together as a community to show compassion and support to the migrant workers who have been instrumental in helping Singapore become what it is today. Everywhere you look, you can see their contributions,” added Mr Peter Tay from Peter Tay Studio.
“We hope this initiative opens people’s eyes to the key roles they play in our society and encourages others to also show their appreciation to our migrant worker friends.”
In paying tribute to the initiative, SMS Zaqy added: “It is heart-warming to see that SIDS’ ground-up campaign in support of our migrant workers in Singapore has been well-received. We hope this will foster greater cohesion and understanding of the migrant workers who live and work among us, and the role they play to help build and maintain Singapore. I thank SIDS for helping build a more cohesive and inclusive community.”
Tags: SIDS, Singapore, COVID-19
