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Despite the events of COVID-19 and the ‘Circuit Breaker’, the good Samaritans of Singapore have been finding ways to help others out, and have even ramped up their efforts to provide for the needy, like the Beng Who Cares Foundation and Good Food For Community. Antoinette, a French patisserie and cafe, is no different, and they’ve been giving out 20 loaves of bread to the needy every day.
Run by owner and head chef Pang Kok Keong, Antoinette has always been a firm supporter of multiple charities in Singapore, having baked this ‘charity bread’ for organisations such as Canossaville Children & Community Services and Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home previously. Giving out this bread is no easy feat either, considering the four hours of effort that goes into baking them, and the fact that Antoinette’s crew has been slashed by half as a result of the ‘Circuit Breaker’.
Apart from managing Antoinette’s online orders, the downsized team has to cope with Pang’s Hakka Delicacies, the owner’s other businesses selling Hakka kuehs. To make matters worse, Antoinette’s business has suffered since the ‘Circuit Breaker’ started, taking a big blow of 75% and forcing them to close their Millennia Walk outlet.
However, Pang remains optimistic, saying that “if my business is going to die, I want to go out in a blaze of glory,” knowing that there are others in worse situations. He just hopes to help the needy even though it may be a small gesture, and maybe one day it might be paid forward to someone else.
For the needy to obtain his ‘charity bread’, especially with the strict government mandates, the loaves are collected by volunteers from the charities Food From The Heart and Beyond Social Services for distribution. If the volunteers are busy, Pang will send his own delivery men to bring the loaves to the beneficiaries.
If you want to support Antoinette and their charitable efforts, patronise their business, which has now moved online to Oddle. They offer a spread of their signature breads, cakes, main dishes, sweet treats and more, with islandwide delivery (S$8 delivery fee with min. order of S$55). You can also pre-order items from Pang’s Hakka Delicacies two days beforehand, like their newest Leicha (S$7/set), by texting +65 9021 7507 via WhatsApp.
Yet again, it’s so encouraging to see how businesses affected by COVID-19 and the ‘Circuit Breaker’ are supporting each other and the needy, without a second thought. Press on everybody, stay safe and thank God for #SGUnited!
Dates & Times: Delivery available from Antoinette from 11.30am – 7pm (Daily) and from Pang’s Hakka Delicacies from 1pm – 6pm (Sat & Sun only)
Price: N.A.
