Singapore’s largest supermarket chain, NTUC FairPrice, has raised more than $1 million through its FairPrice Care & Share Charity Fund. The cheque was presented to the Community Chest, at FairPrice’s National Day Observance Ceremony at Toa Payoh this morning. The event was graced by Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports and Second Minister for Trade and Industry.

Launched at last year’s FairPrice National Day Observance Ceremony 2004, FairPrice set a target to raise $1 million for the Care & Share Charity Fund within a year. By collaborating with suppliers and customers, FairPrice contributed one cent for every housebrand and private label item, as well as weekly advertised offer item sold. The fund derives its name from FairPrice’s motto We serve, We care, We share. A total of $1,063,000 was raised. The $1 million that FairPrice has raised is the largest single amount ever raised for charity by a retailer in Singapore.

Mr S. Chandra Das, Chairman of NTUC FairPrice, said, “We came up with this unique way of raising funds for charity, as it is actually a painless and convenient way for the average man-in-the-street to contribute to the needy just by doing their usual supermarket shopping. We will continue to look for more opportunities to serve as a conduit and channel for all in our community to care and share along with us to make a difference to the less fortunate in our society.”

Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman, Community Chest said, “ We, at Community Chest, applaud FairPrice for integrating its social commitment in all that it does. This unique fund-raising project is telling of FairPrice’s creativity in coming up with innovative ways of helping the needy.”

She added that FairPrice’s donation was a timely move that would be deeply appreciated by all at Community Chest and it was just the act needed to set the local giving scene in motion again — after the temporary setback over the past few weeks. She said there were many out there who needed a helping hand, and more corporate donors like FairPrice were needed to step forward once again to help the less fortunate.

FairPrice staff, led by union representatives and senior management, pledged their allegiance to Singapore at this morning’s ceremony.