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In modern-day Singapore, one may think that hardships and poverty does not exist. That is not the case if one is observant enough.

From the bustling Central Business District to the back alleys of shophouses, there are people leading extraordinary lives, and this is especially true with the aged. They struggled to make a living and some of them do not even have a proper home.

Take a stroll around Chinatown and you will notice many elderly collecting old newspapers, discarded cardboards and empty drink cans. These items are then staked on a makeshift trolley and pushed to the recycling centre. They will get some money in return, depending on the weight of the items. Each trip to the recycling centre fetch a few dollars, thus in order to earn enough money to survive, they must make several trips each day. This is all the more tiring given their old age and weak physique.

When the needy reached a point where they have no ability to support themselves, they will sit along the streets and beg passer-bys for money. This is a sorry sight and it reminds us of how uneven the distribution of wealth among our society is. While the widespread inequality among citizens in a society cannot be changed overnight, we can, however, show our care and concern by offering food or monetary help. It is always heartwarming to know that some people are actually making regular contributions to the less fortunate.

To make matters worse, most of them are neglected by their children and chased out of their homes. They have no choice but to spend the night on benches or the back alleys of shophouses, where the conditions are horrible and unhygienic.

It is unfortunate that this world is driven by money, which is a stumbling block for the needy. However, we should never neglect these people who shed their blood and tears during the development of modern Singapore. Our nation would never be the world class metropolitan hub if not for their vital contributions.