When an Orange is Not Just a Fruit

When we talk about Oranges nowadays, most of us will brush it off as a cheap fruit that is available readily anywhere and anytime. To most of us, we tre at Oranges as a last alternative to many things, and to most of us, we just feel that Oranges are nothing but just a source of Vitamin C.

But to another group of people, these same Oranges mean a whole lot of difference to them. Way back in time, Oranges were considered as expensive luxury food items that only the rich can afford. Slowly as time goes by, it becomes a representation of good luck and wealth. During Chinese New Year, we often bring Oranges to our relatives' house and exchange Oranges with them to bring good luck and wealth for the coming year.

However as we are enjoying the festivities along, there are a group of people who are spending it alone. They are either without friends or without family. No one comes by on the first day of the new year to give them Oranges or to tell them auspicious words. These are the elderly. To them, to be able to receive Oranges during this time of the year is a representation of good luck, wealth and health.

I met a grandma recently and she told me she hasn't received any Oranges for years ever since her husband passed away. She told me that she do not have the good fortune (in mandarin she said 沒有這個福氣 ) to receive such a gift. When I heard her words, my heart wrenched a little.

This CNY, Project Awareness hope to give out "good luck" and "good wealth" to these elderly. We hope that receiving them will give the elderly hope and joy for the coming year. We want them to know that they are not alone and that we are all here for them.

We hope to distribute at least 200 cartons of Mandarin Oranges to our regular senior activities centres that we supported all these while, and also to the families under Project Awareness. If you can support us in this project, do check out the purchase form by NTUC FairPrice. Alternative you can also PM Project Awareness for other ways of purchasing the Mandarin Oranges. Please let us know by PM message at Project Awareness Facebook before you order from NTUC FairPrice, so that we can advise you where to send the Mandarin Oranges to. If you are thinking of purchasing online, do let us know at Project Awareness Facebook as well, and we will advise you accordingly. Thank you.