A Life Built on Hard Work

For many years, Yee Huat’s days have begun the same way. He walks the neighbourhood, collecting recyclable materials to sell. As a rag-and-bone collector, his life is simple, but the work is hard and offers no certainty. 

In a typical month, he earns about $150 or less, depending entirely on what he manages to find and the current recycling prices. It is a modest income that barely covers his own daily needs.

Even with his own struggles, Yee Huat chose to look out for someone else. When a close friend and fellow collector passed away, he left behind his daughter, Mei Mei, who has an intellectual disability. Yee Huat immediately stepped in to support her however he could.

Living One Month at a Time

Lately, keeping everything afloat has become a heavy burden. As Yee Huat does not have stable employment, his irregular income is rarely enough to cover his daily living expenses.

Over the years, his family relationships have become strained, leaving him with very little informal support. While friends and neighbours occasionally step in to offer help, these gestures are temporary and cannot be relied upon for the long term.

Yee Huat is currently waiting for his formal financial assistance to be renewed. He is getting by on whatever remains of his savings and his CDC vouchers. Every single dollar he earns is stretched just to pay for food and basic household necessities, all while he continues to look after Mei Mei.

What We Are Raising Funds For

We are raising funds $814.40* ($200/month for four months) to provide Yee Huat with a reliable safety net while he waits for his formal financial assistance to resume.

This temporary support is about ensuring Yee Huat doesn’t have to navigate this gap alone. By helping to cover his immediate daily needs, it allows him to continue his hard work in the neighborhood and keep looking after Mei Mei with dignity without the constant anxiety of tomorrow’s expenses.

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.