Today, some 200 taxi leaders and members of the National Taxi Association (NTA) visited the homes of 52 workers from Bizlink Centre (Bizlink), a non-profit organisation that employs disadvantaged people, especially those with disabilities. This joint effort between NTA and Bizlink aimed to show appreciation to our disadvantaged workers, who work hard and make invaluable contributions to their workplace despite their disabilities.
The taxis were flagged off by Guest-of-Honour Mr Chan Chun Sing, NTUC Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) and Chairman of Advisors to NTA from the Changi Airport. Changi Airport Group also supported the event by sponsoring “ang paos” and oranges which were distributed to the taxi drivers in appreciation of their efforts before they left for the homes.
Strong Affinity with Bizlink Centre
At the workers’ homes, the taxi drivers presented the workers and their families with Lunar New Year (LNY) goodie bags worth $500 each, and assisted the families to put up LNY decorations, all in a bid to help these families prepare for the upcoming festive occasion.
“This is not our first collaboration with Bizlink Centre. In fact, we have had a strong affinity with them and have worked closely with them for years. The idea to celebrate this year’s Lunar New Year with workers of Bizlink was suggested by our taxi leaders, as they admire the similar trait of these workers who also work hard to make a living despite the challenges they face. Thus it is even more meaningful that we are able to make use of this festivity and share the joy with them,” said Mr Ang Hin Kee, Executive Advisor of NTA.
Bizlink Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alvin Lim said: “NTA has been a long-time partner of Bizlink, and they have been most supportive of our workers and the work that we do. It is heart-warming to have NTA and their taxi leaders stepping forward to bring festive cheers to our group of rank-of-file disadvantaged workers in employment.”
Visit to the Home of Madam Gan Piak Lay
Guest-of-Honour Mr Chan led the appreciation effort together with Mr Ang and other taxi representatives, and visited the home of Madam Gan Piak Lay, aged 55.
Madam Gan lives in a two-room Housing Development Board (HDB) flat with her two daughters aged 20 and 19. Her husband passed away in 2009 due to throat cancer. Madam Gan, who has been a housewife till then, had to start working as a general worker in a childcare centre in order to support the family. However, she suffered a stroke in 2013. After undergoing physiotherapy, Madam Gan faced a period of unemployment and eventually sought help from Bizlink for vocational assessment and job placement. She then joined Bizlink’s Cleaning Social Enterprise as a cleaner in 2014.
Madam Gan expresses her gratitude, “It was not easy at all, having to cope with the untimely death of my husband and be a single parent to my two teenage daughters. This already bad situation was further worsened by the stroke which resulted in partial paralysis of, and weakness in, the left side of my body. But I believe in perseverance. The future ahead might still be uncertain but I’m happy to have support from my daughters and my employer. It feels nice to be appreciated, and it is such a pleasant surprise to receive such warm greetings and presents from the taxi uncles. Thank you!”
NTA General Secretary Foo Chi Yong, who accompanied the visit, concluded the event as enriching and meaningful, “The past couple of years saw us appreciating our fellow workers in the taxi industry during Lunar New Year. This time, we show appreciation to these unsung heroes and it is truly meaningful. All of us should learn to appreciate all the different workers in Singapore as contributions from everyone count.”
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