500 primary school students from needy families will each receive $100 in assistance with their school uniforms and school shoes for the new school year under the Mapletree-South West CDC 'Back to School' Programme.

This is the second year that the South West Community Development Council (CDC), together with Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd, is helping school-going children from needy families within the South West District.

This year alone, over $50,000 has been jointly set aside by the South West CDC and Mapletree to help needy students with their school-going expenses.

Dr Amy Khor, Mayor of South West District, said in a press statement: "South West CDC values the support of Mapletree and our corporate partners who have extended and expanded their support for the less fortunate in the community especially during these difficult times. The South West CDC will continue to work closely with our corporate partners so that more needy residents can be assisted."

Mapletree's Managing Director of Corporate Services, Mr Ho Seng Chee, added: "But no matter how difficult things may have become, one fact remains clear - our children's education and future must never be compromised, even in tough times."

This year, apart from the "Back to School" Programme, Mapletree and South West CDC will continue to partner the following programmes:

Firstly, the Mapletree Charity Food Programme, which delivers food packages to needy residents.

In addition, they will also host a Chinese New Year lunch for the less privileged, and provide movie screenings and meals organized at VivoCity for children from less fortunate homes this year.