SINGAPORE: This year, NTUC is also giving out S$1.5 million in vouchers to union members and their families under its "U Stretch" scheme.
Each family will get S$30 worth of discounts on groceries,
healthcare and eldercare services.
With the economy on the mend, the amount is less than that disbursed
during the recession last year when each family got S$80 worth of
vouchers.
But NTUC said more help may be given depending on the members' needs.
Applications will close on 21 June. They are open to households earning
S$1,800 per month, or up to $500 per family member.
NTUC expects to give out vouchers to about 50,000 households.
On Sunday, NTUC organised a carnival for its members at Downtown East.
Apart from having a splashing good time, about 120 members and their
families attempted to break the Singapore record for the most people
playing "Twister".
The carnival is the first of six lined up for the next 12 months. In
all, about 50,000 families are expected to participate.
The carnivals and the "U Stretch" scheme come under the NTUC's U Care
Fund, which provides help to low-income families. Both programmes will
cost the Fund about S$3 million.
NTUC's U Care Fund has managed to raise S$6.4 million out of its S$10
million target this year.
- CNA/ir
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i want to play twister