Since 14 January, customers dining at various fast-food outlets all over Singapore should have noticed attractive table decals, tray station stickers or tray station tent cards prompting diners to do their part and clear the trays after eating. On that day, the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) launched the “Clear Up Before You Go—Because You Are Kind That Way” campaign at the ARTrium, MICA Building.
The campaign is jointly spearheaded by SKM and six local fast-food operators namely KFC, Long John Silver’s, McDonalds, MOS Burger, Subway and Superdog. The event was officiated by Sam Tan, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts and Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Tan said in his speech: “Today is another significant milestone for public and private partnership.” On graciousness, he added: “In fact, this behavior is not alien to all of us as students have been taught to clear their plates and cutlery after use, and NS men are taught to clear their food trays. [This campaign] serves to remind us to be gracious to one another, at the same time showing Singapore to be a country filled with warm and gracious people, thus enhancing Singapore’s national stage with the coming 2010 Youth Olympic Games.”
Following that, the fast-food representatives were also invited to the stage together with Tan and Sim whereby each of them were given a food tray and are supposed to clear their food trays thus officially launching the campaign. Tokens of appreciation were subsequently presented by Tan and Sim to the various fast-food representatives. The campaign mascot Singa was also there to appreciate them by holding up a banner.
Lim Kim Seng, General Manager of MOS Burger shares “I feel that this [campaign] is a good idea. Somebody has to start first to promote graciousness. Yes, I also do clear my food trays after food. As MOS Burger is a Japanese company, we have the opportunity to experience the culture of the Japanese—they always clear up their food trays so that the next person can have a pleasant time at the eatery.
“Hopefully, the awareness created by this campaign can create a domino effect, inspiring young and old to be more gracious by helping to keep tables clean after they’re done eating.”
Joanna Chia, Marketing Executive of Long John Silver’s said, “I believe that with so many fast-food outlets participating, this campaign would most probably be a success though it would take some time. This [campaign] will be good for both parties, customer as well as us [fast-food operators] as we can promote graciousness in our community and keep the place clean. I personally have not cleared my food trays after dining but will do so from this day forth.”
Teh Thien Yew, General Manager of SKM tells City News that “our goal for the first of five phrase of this [campaign] is to spread the awareness that such a campaign exists, and perhaps inspire Singaporeans to be more gracious by clearing up their food trays after meals. The benefit that customers at these fast-food outlets is the satisfaction that they have helped provide the next customer with a great experience at the fast-food outlet. Kindness is your only reward, as they say,” Teh adds.
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| PHOTOS: Michael Chan |
This campaign is aimed to also show that demonstrating graciousness to one another doesn’t cost anything, but it can bring about better experiences and a consciousness of kindness. It aims to spread the virtue of graciousness in Singapore.
So the next time you head down to any of these six participating fast-food outlets—and definitely others, including food courts — do clear up before you go, because you are kind that way.
Read more about SKM and their campaigns at www.Kindness.org
