- When we think of frontline workers, we often think of just healthcare workers. While their efforts during this pandemic are undeniably important, it is also crucial for us to recognise that there are many other groups of people at the frontline of this battle, such as cleaners. Given the nature of this virus, their work is all the more essential. Hence, it drove #SGStrong grantee Yvonne Kong to find a way to look out for the cleaners in her community.
“As we sat in my living room surrounded, almost buried in mountains of care package materials, it struck me that if you want to help, you really need to get down, roll up your sleeves and just do it”
Yvonne rallied her friends and family, including her kids, to pack 300 care packages which included muscle rub and hand lotion. Not only do the packages show her appreciation for their efforts, she hopes to also remind them to look after themselves in this time. Additionally, Yvonne also hopes to start a campaign in schools to get students to clean their own surroundings so that the burden of cleaning will not fall entirely on the shoulders of cleaners.
“I gave 30 care packages to my alma mater and they held an awards ceremony in front of all the students where they invited the cleaners up one by one. I was so amazed because it taught the students that there is no such thing as a job that’s demeaning.”
We hope that Yvonne’s project will inspire you to look out for the many unsung heroes in this fight against the coronavirus. It is time we showed them some love and appreciation for their hard work. Together, we are stronger than COVID-19.
Read more in their TODAY feature.