Utilizing public transportation is a way of life for many Singaporeans. In this current pandemic, one can only imagine how quickly the COVID-19 virus could transmit given the sheer number of people you would cross paths with when commuting, especially during peak hours. In the early days of the pandemic, this meant more frequent cleaning services and longer hours for the many cleaners employed by SMRT to sanitise the interior of the buses and trains that we rely on. It was perhaps the only assurance we had that the vehicles were safe to board. Therefore, as a gift of gratitude, #SGStrong grantee Isaac Lee started BehindTheScene, rallying a team of students to pack 150 goodie bags for SMRT cleaners.
“I started BehindTheScenes with the aim of showing our appreciation to cleaners via gifts of thank you cards, food and drinks. Because MRT stations are one of the busiest places in Singapore and have to be disinfected very frequently, MRT cleaners have one of the heaviest workloads and were our first choice of beneficiaries. I wanted to show the public that the cleaners were doing a great job and deserved some recognition for their efforts. “
Using the SGExams platform which connects 30,000 students across Singapore, Isaac was able to assemble a team to pack and distribute the goodie bags. Furthermore, Isaac and his team created a highlight video of their project in hopes of inspiring the public to also do their part. These goodie bags not only represent appreciation and encouragement for the cleaners, they also serve to promote goodwill for citizens towards the sometimes overlooked cleaners.
““So to the people out there thinking about starting their own projects, my advice is to start today. Once you take that first step to kick-start the project, the rest will naturally follow.””
— ISAAC LEE, SGEXAMS
We hope that Isaac’s project will inspire you to also extend your thanks to the cleaners in your community. Together, we are stronger than COVID-19.
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