SINGAPORE, 27 June 2015 – As part of Singapore’s celebrations for SG50, Visa has partnered with OCBC Bank, NTUC FairPrice and NTUC Link to provide 500 families supported by Food from the Heart with S$40,000 worth of groceries and daily necessities.

The event commenced on 27 June as 80 families, joined by the 40 volunteers from Visa, OCBC Bank, NTUC Link and NTUC FairPrice, did their grocery shopping at the FairPrice Xtra outlet at Changi Business Park. Each family was given NTUC FairPrice vouchers worth S$80 and the volunteers helped to advise families on how to make wise budgeting decisions when doing their shopping. The second community event will be held on 4 July and the remaining 340 families will have the choice to visit any NTUC FairPrice outlet to do their shopping at their own time.

Ms. Ooi Huey Tyng, Visa Country Manager for Singapore and Brunei, said, “At Visa, we strongly believe in giving back to our local community and have always been proactive in lending a hand to local charities in a number of ways. We are delighted that one of Singapore’s major banks, OCBC Bank, the NTUC Link loyalty programme and the biggest local retailer, NTUC FairPrice, have come forward as partners. As we celebrate SG50 together this year, we want to make sure that the underprivileged are not left behind and we hope that our donations will make this special year even more meaningful for the 500 families involved. ”

Mr Ching Wei Hong, Chief Operating Officer, OCBC Bank, said, “With our ingrained culture of contributing to society and supporting the community, especially when it comes to lending a helping hand to the less privileged amongst us, this project holds much meaning for . As trusted business partners, we are glad to be able to collaborate with both Visa and NTUC FairPrice in this very meaningful cause. It is very heartening to see the beneficiaries’ show of appreciation towards our staff during the event.”

Mr. Seah Kian Peng, CEO, NTUC FairPrice, added, “FairPrice has grown in tandem with our country, whilst upholding our social mission of doing good for the community. We remain compassionate and steadfast in reaching out to the less fortunate through our various philanthropic initiatives and community engagement activities to make a difference. We are pleased to celebrate our nation’s 50th birthday with like-minded partners in continuing to do good for our community and to provide a better life for all.”

“NTUC Link’s core mission is to serve and support the working families of Singapore. We are delighted to have the opportunity through Food from the Heart, to make a contribution to families in need. Grateful for our nation’s 50 years of progress that has greatly enriched so many lives, we are ever-ready to open our hearts to help and serve those in our community that have been less fortunate”, concluded Mr Tony Tan, CEO of NTUC Link.

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