6000 participants took part in Singapore’s largest family walking event that was aimed at promoting family bonding and healthy living

[Singapore, 30 August 2014] – 6,000 participants were treated to a ‘walk around the world’ at this year’s FairPrice Walks With U event at the Promontory @ Marina Bay. The event aims to promote family and community bonding and to support the less privileged in our midst.    

To commemorate the successful fully sold-out event, NTUC FairPrice and FairPrice Foundation Chairman Mr Bobby Chin handed a cheque of $1 million worth of FairPrice food vouchers to Guest-of-Honour, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minster for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, under the FairPrice Food Voucher Scheme for less privileged families.

FairPrice Foundation had pledged to donate $100 in food vouchers for each registered participant in this event, which amounted to $600,000. In addition, FairPrice also pledged an additional $10 in FairPrice vouchers to the FairPrice Food Voucher Scheme for every Instagram, Twitter or Facebook post that carries the official hashtag #fairpricewalk, along with an accompanying photo or line explaining why walking with one’s family is fun or memorable.

Mr Bobby Chin, Chairman of NTUC FairPrice and NTUC FairPrice Foundation said, “We are thrilled to be back this year after our successful launch previously. FairPrice is privileged to organise this event that actively promotes family and community bonding as well as healthy living – two important aspects in building a strong and cohesive nation. Furthermore, the event also enables participants to do their part for the community.”

Inspired by the enthusiastic response of citizens and for their social media posts, FairPrice Foundation decided to donate S$1 million to the FairPrice Food Vouchers Scheme this year to help low-income families alleviate the costs of daily expenses.  

The FairPrice Food Voucher Scheme provides vouchers for low-income families to purchase daily essentials through grassroots organisations (GROs) of all 87 constituencies to benefit an estimated 20,000 low income families and individuals. Part of the FairPrice Food Voucher Scheme also goes towards benefitting selected welfare organisations.

Mr Ang Hak Seng, BBM, Chief Executive Director of People’s Association (PA) said, “PA is happy to partner the NTUC FairPrice Foundation for the FairPrice Food Voucher scheme. Every year, through this scheme, our Grassroots Organisations are able to help over 20,000 low-income residents cope with their daily expenses. Our grassroots volunteers are in close touch with the community and aware of residents who need financial assistance. Through partnerships with like-minded organisations like NTUC FairPrice, we are able to provide additional help in the form of vouchers to these residents.”

To date, the Foundation has contributed close to $12 million worth of FairPrice vouchers to the FairPrice Food Voucher Scheme.

Popular family blogger, Clare Eastwood who attended the event with her family was happy to share her excitement about the event: “I read about the event last year and am excited to take part this year! It definitely surpassed my expectations. This year’s theme was exciting, especially being greeted by different showcases from the various countries. I’m also glad that the event gave me an opportunity to spend quality time with my family and to do my part for charity as well. I hope that more events like this will be organised.”

FairPrice Walks With U

In line with the “FairPrice Walks With U” objective of promoting greater family bonding and healthy living, the event attracted participants of all ages and from all walks of life.

This year, a new theme and scenic route provided much excitement for the participants who started their journey at the Waterfront Promontory against the iconic Marina Bay backdrop. The 5km walk took participants past the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage.

Participants were entertained by carnival games and various entertainment acts along the walking route, which were divided into zones, each representing a different country from around the world. This included Samba dancers from Brazil, Greek statues, Chinese contortionists, Japanese Cosplayers and Cheerleaders from the United States who greeted and cheered on the participants.

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