There is something wonderfully calming about living in a community that shares its blessings with those who have so little. It is a community that is cohesive and strong, a community that moves in the same direction and values each member.

While building a community that cares and shares requires commitments from everyone, regardless of age, race or ethnic group, it begins with the individual. Reaching out begins with a healthy body and a sound mind.

We have, therefore, been promoting a healthy lifestyle among our district's residents. Activities like a brisk walking programme, completed with qigong sessions at the 26 newly set up Brisk Walk-Qugong Corners, have allowed them to take charge of their own physical and mental health and have given them a sense of communal bonding.

That sense of communal bonding has led to the spirit of volunteerism, charity and civic-mindedness, and I am heartened to see that, in our community, we are never lacking in people who are always ready to help out and share whatever they have.

They are our role models, people who, by small acts like watering their neighbours' plants or looking after their neighbors'' children, are leading by example and building positive relationships in the community. They form the backbone of our caring community.

We have initiated several programmes to help the needy residents which align with one of our key thrusts in “Assisting the Needy”. The North West Community Development Council, along with several Voluntary Welfare Organisations, have been distributing about 400 food rations to needy households every month under its food aid programme.

In our “A Heart for Students” initiative, we provide annual funding to help schools administer financial help to students who are in need of textbooks or school fees.

“Care and Repair”, “Health-on-Wheels”, “Community Befrienders” and “Project I Care” are some of the other programmes we have to help different groups in our area.

I have recently set up a Club-100 @ North West to encourage the culture of philanthropy. To start with, members pledge to donate $100 from their monthly pay check. The total amount of funds collected goes towards the North West Food Aid Fund to help needy families offset the escalating food costs. I have invited my own friends to be part of this Club and hope that more of our more able individuals and corporate organizations can step forward to help the less fortunate.

A single act of kindness will warm a person's heart. When members of the community comes together to help one another, these acts of kindness will not only bond our district, they will also benefit those in need of help. Let us work towards building a community that cares.

Warmest Regards,
Dr Teo Ho Pin
Mayor of North West District