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| PM Lee Hsien Loong puts the finishing touch to
the ComCare logo at the launch of the ComCare Fund, which aims to
help the needy break out of the poverty trap. |
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28 June, the Prime Minister launched ComCare, which will help to ensure
that no Singaporean is left behind while Singapore progresses. With
economic restructuring, a small but growing minority of Singaporeans
will face hardship. ComCare will provide a safety net for this small
group, and serve as a springboard for them to become self-reliant.
With ComCare, there will be more targeted services for needy Singaporeans
to achieve self-reliance, helping the children from needy families
break out of the poverty cycle and assisting those who need community
care and support.
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In his speech at the launch,
the PM said: “ComCare aims to help the needy help themselves, and
work towards being able to support themselves and their families again.”
However, he also warned against developing a welfare mentality and
said he saw ComCare as 'a springboard' to help the needy bounce back.
At the launch, PM Lee added the finishing stroke to the ComCare logo.
It has three loops, signifying family, community and Government working
together. Minister Wong Kan Seng, who is also the Deputy Chairman
of People’s Association, Minister for Community Development, Youth
and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan and Minister of State Mrs Yu-Foo
Yee Shoon also joined PM on stage to launch the ComCare logo together
with the beneficiaries of social assistance programmes. 
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| Madam
Chua's Story |
Mdm Chua Ah Bee is someone who personifies the
intent and success of our social assistance system. A widow with two
school-going children, she suddenly found herself having to be the
sole breadwinner of the family when her husband became ill and unable
to work.
Faced with such heavy responsibilities, the once helpless and timid
housewife rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Mdm Chua was referred
to the South East CDC and for the next three years, she received financial
assistance from the CDC to help pay for rent, utilities and living
expenses. With the help of Marine Parade FSC, her two children also
received supervision and financial support to continue their schooling.
She also got a job as a cleaner. With help and support, she eventually
pulled her family out of their desperate financial situation and is
now able to support her family independently. Today, Mdm Chua is confident
that she can cope and she is determined to be self-reliant.
ComCare represents the government’s commitment to care for needy Singaporeans
like Mdm Chua, helping them towards self reliance so that they are
not left behind as Singapore progresses. 
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