Social enterprise Dignity Kitchen hopes to raise $200,000 for restoration efforts following a fire that damaged its premises on Feb 13. The organization has garnered over $52,000 from 500 supporters on crowdfunding platform Give Asia.
The 10,600 sq ft facility at 69 Boon Keng Road was impacted when a nearby rubbish collection center fire spread, causing damage to its walls, roof, electrical items, and air-conditioning units. The incident, classified as “mischief by fire,” is under police investigation.
Founder Koh Seng Choon, 65, was in Hong Kong overseeing another Dignity Kitchen branch during the incident and returned to Singapore on Feb 28. Dignity Kitchen, managed by Project Dignity, was established in 2010 to generate employment for individuals with disabilities. The Singapore branch features a hawker center, a culinary training center, social outreach programs, and secondhand book stalls.
The training center bore the brunt of the damage, with initial repair estimates totaling around $130,000. However, the full extent of the damage remains uncertain until the roof is removed, and insurance payouts are pending.
Despite setbacks, Dignity Kitchen’s food court, staffed by differently-abled individuals, resumed operations on Feb 19, including providing free meals to 90 low-wage workers on weekdays. While classes have temporarily halted, plans are in place to resume with urgency.
Vivian Pan, 39, donated $100 to the cause, praising Mr. Koh’s resilience and leadership. “He doesn’t give up and keeps fighting for his dream,” she said.
(Credits: Giveasia, Dignity Kitchen)
