Singapore’s largest supermarket operator NTUC FairPrice has committed to continuing its sponsorship of the Walk for Rice project for a further three years.
This marks the seventh year FairPrice has partnered with the South East Community Development Council (CDC) in the annual walk.
The joint efforts of participants and FairPrice Foundation, the charity arm of FairPrice, have resulted in Walk for Rice meeting its target every year since 2009. Since the project’s inception, 3.5 million bowls of rice have been donated and almost 180,000 residents have collectively walked about 435,000 km to support the cause. This is equivalent to walking almost 11 times round the earth.
FairPrice announced the extension of the partnership at the initiative’s closing ceremony following a successful one-month run of the campaign.
Seah Kian Peng, CEO of NTUC FairPrice said: “NTUC FairPrice and South East CDC have worked hand-in-hand over the years to bring the community together to contribute rice to families in the South East district. We are heartened to be extending this partnership for another three years which facilitates community bonding while helping the less fortunate in our midst. With the added contribution of brown rice, which we introduced last year in spite of its relatively higher price, we also ensure that the needy have access to healthier food choices through this initiative.”
South East CDC chief Tan Chuan-Jin said Walk for Rice is an easy and enjoyable activity that encourages widespread participation within the community which earns sponsorship for the needy.
“Every walk that was held encouraged bonding among the residents and community, and they are very willing to participate in the walk, knowing that this simple activity is helping their fellow neighbours and residents in the community.”