The idea of paying something forward is to pass on the blessings we have received to someone else, inspiring them to then pass on their blessings to yet another person, creating an endless chain of kindness and goodness.
PIF Day, Yuhua Constituency, 2015
It also fosters in the giver an attitude of empathy and a lifestyle of giving and sharing. Adventist Community Services’ aim is for Singaporeans to adopt the Pay It Forward way of life, especially with those experiencing exacting circumstances.
There are THREE components to our “PAY IT FORWARD” Initiative…
1. PAY IT FORWARD DAY (PIF)
In 2009, ACS launched PIF Day in Yuhua Constituency. This one-day event is held annually and now includes other constituencies i.e. Moulmein, Geylang Serai, Serangoon, and Sengkang.
Each year, on PIF Day, lower income residents are invited to a meal and a free health screening. They are provided shopping vouchers, or a sponsored shopping trip; and healthy food hampers.
2. PAY IT FORWARD PLUS (PIF+)
In 2012, PIF+ was introduced. This is a program in which Wellness Ambassadors (volunteers from Adventist Community Services and the public) offer monthly systematic holistic assistance to lower-income residents.
During their monthly visits, these Wellness Ambassadors, trained in health and nutrition, conduct basic health checks for the recipient and their family members, to ensure that they continue to make healthy choices. They also spend time talking to the recipients and their family members, promoting their emotional and social wellbeing and assisting however else they can.
Since its inception in 2012, PIF+ has served 169 families.
To date, over 5400 recipients have been supported through PIF Day in the different constituencies.
3. PIF+ HEADSTART
PIF+ HEADSTART is tailored so children can have a more meaningful and relevant experience in community work.
Children from the Seventh-day Adventist Kindergarten (SDAK) will be included in the monthly PIF+ visitations.
PIF+ Headstart creates opportunities for kindergarten-age children to become aware of others who are less fortunate than them.
