As families got busy with spring cleaning and shopping for Chinese New Year goodies, it also served as a good time to bond and interact with the elderly during this festive period, as we show respect to them in time-honoured tradition.
The grassroots community in Bukit Batok kick-started Chinese New Year celebrations in January by honouring 2,300 senior residents from low-income families through three separate “makan” sessions, which took place on 9, 11 and 12 January. At these sessions, the multi-ethnic elderly attendees made up of Chinese, Malays and Indians mingled and caught up with one another as they enjoyed a medley of Chinese and Indian cultural dances, line-dancing, singing and other delightful stage performances.
To bestow happiness and blessings to the elderly residents, Mr Murali Pillai, Member of Parliament for Bukit Batok SMC and Grassroots Adviser, presented hongbaos to them at the “makan” sessions. He thanked the generous donors for their support at these events, and took the opportunity to wish everyone happiness, good health and smooth tidings on the occasion of Chinese New Year.