The hawkers and merchants at Chinatown have banded together to raise money for the victims of the devastating earthquake that killed thousands in Turkey and Syria.
About 105 stalls took part in the fundraiser and raised about $24,900 in just a week for the victims, according to Shin Min Daily News.
A notice board with a list of the names of the participating stalls and the amount of money that they have donated were pasted on a wall next to the escalator on the second floor of the hawker centre.
The boss of Liao Fan Hawker Chan, Chan Hon Meng, spoke to SMDN and said that he asked his workers if they wanted to donate and help the earthquake victims, and more than 50 workers participated in the donation drive, raising $4,900 in just 3 days.
He said that they have been paying close attention to the tragedy in Turkey and wanted to let his workers take part in the charity, but didn’t expect such an overwhelming response and dedication from them.
The owner of Shang Hai Fried Xiao Long Bao, Jiang, also donated $500 to the cause and said that “when disaster struck, help came from everywhere. We decided to help after seeing the appeal for donations by the Chinatown Complex.
Jiang also added that “since we started our business, we have had support from our customers and so we also hope to help others. This donation drive shows the solidarity that we have, and we want to give back to society.”