Migrant workers take their turn on Singapore Flyer ferris wheel after difficult year
- Singaporeans have donated vouchers that were to be spent on attractions, hotels and tours – businesses that have lost income during the coronavirus pandemic
- ‘There are so many people who appreciate the contributions workers have made to Singapore and this is their chance to give back,’ initiative’s founder said
The capsules of the Ferris wheel in Singapore were peppered with rain. Not great for a bird’s-eye view of the city. But the migrant workers riding the Singapore Flyer attraction did not mind.
They were a fraction of at least 20,000 workers getting a treat, from members of the public and businesses.
The ItsRainingRaincoats initiative began calling for tickets to be donated to the workers in January. A volunteer felt it was a meaningful way to use tourism vouchers from the government, founder Dipa Swaminathan said.
Singapore citizens aged 18 and older have received S$100 (US$74) in vouchers. They were to spend it on attractions, hotels and tours – businesses that have lost income during the coronavirus pandemic.
Swaminathan’s group worked with the ferris wheel operator and a booking platform to get tickets routed to the foreign workers.
“There are so many people who appreciate the contributions workers have made to Singapore and this is their chance to give back,” Swaminathan said. “There’s a lot of joy in giving. I think that’s what causes the public … to support us in these kinds of endeavours.”