Residents can borrow items like wheelchairs, ladders; initiative to be rolled out to 450 RCs
By Zhaki Abdullah, The Sunday Times, 22 Nov 2015
Singaporeans will soon be able to borrow items such as wheelchairs, stools and stepladders from their Residents' Committees (RCs).
Called Resource Centre @ RC, the initiative - which was launched yesterday in Toa Payoh and will be rolled out to 450 RCs across the island by February next year - offers items based on the demographic profiles and needs of residents.
It is modelled on a similar programme in the North East District launched in February last year that was well received by residents.
Although companies have already sponsored items such as first aid boxes and portable sound systems, it is hoped that residents will also share items with their neighbours via this initiative, with some already expressing interest in contributing aids such as walking sticks and crutches.
By Zhaki Abdullah, The Sunday Times, 22 Nov 2015
Called Resource Centre @ RC, the initiative - which was launched yesterday in Toa Payoh and will be rolled out to 450 RCs across the island by February next year - offers items based on the demographic profiles and needs of residents.
It is modelled on a similar programme in the North East District launched in February last year that was well received by residents.
Although companies have already sponsored items such as first aid boxes and portable sound systems, it is hoped that residents will also share items with their neighbours via this initiative, with some already expressing interest in contributing aids such as walking sticks and crutches.
"What we want is a sharing community because I believe that is the way to build stronger relationships between residents," said Minister of State for Health Chee Hong Tat, who attended the launch.
The Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC added: "This is not just something we do for the residents; this is something we do with the residents."
Residents can borrow items for up to three days, with the option to extend the loan period.
They do not have to pay for the items.
Those who require items on a long-term basis will be referred to other agencies for assistance.
Toa Payoh resident Paruvadi Duraisamy, 84, used to get shortness of breath and have pain in her legs when walking to the clinic. She is now able to borrow a wheelchair from her RC whenever she needs to go for doctors' appointments.
Toa Payoh resident Paruvadi Duraisamy, 84, used to get shortness of breath and have pain in her legs when walking to the clinic. She is now able to borrow a wheelchair from her RC whenever she needs to go for doctors' appointments.
Mr Aaron Yeo, 29, who borrowed a cooler box to store cold drinks for a barbecue he was holding to celebrate his birthday, said: "People may not have friends who can lend them the stuff they need.
"So, I think this is a good initiative."
Our Resource Centre is Open! ---------------Launched the Resource Centre@RC initiative with The People's Association...
Posted by Chee Hong Tat 徐芳达 on Saturday, November 21, 2015
No comments:
Post a Comment