<p>SINGAPORE — The capsules of the Ferris wheel in Singapore were peppered with rain. </p>
<p>Not great for a bird’s eye view of the city. But the migrant workers riding the Singapore Flyer attraction did not mind. </p>
<p>They were a fraction of at least 20,000 workers getting a treat, from members of the public and businesses.</p>
<p>The ItsRainingRaincoats initiative began calling for tickets to be donated to the workers in January.</p>
<p>A volunteer felt it was a meaningful way to use tourism vouchers from the government, founder Dipa Swaminathan said. </p>
<p>Singapore citizens aged 18 and older have received 100 Singapore dollars ($74.30) in vouchers. They were to spend it on attractions, hotels and tours — businesses that have lost income during the coronavirus pandemic. </p>
<p>Swaminathan’s group worked with the Ferris wheel operator and a booking platform to get tickets routed to the foreign workers. </p>
<p>“There are so many people who appreciate the contributions workers have made to Singapore and this is their chance to give back,” Swaminathan said. </p>
<p>“There’s a lot of joy in giving. I think that’s what causes the public … to support us in these kinds of endeavors,” she told The Associated Press. </p>
<p>The group will keep organizing rides as long as tickets stream in. </p>
<p>A ticket, which includes entrance to an interactive display, costs 35 Singapore dollars ($26). There are currently enough for 20,000 workers. </p>
<p>That is 2% of the 700,000 to 800,000 who live in Singapore, Swaminathan estimates. </p>
<p>She said the “contained” nature of the Ferris wheel makes it a good fit. </p>
<p>Volunteers reminded the riders to keep their masks on and keep a 1-meter distance during a recent visit.</p>
<p>Ganesan Thivagar visited with his dormitory mates. They waited while rides were briefly halted for bad weather. </p>
<p>When it was time to board, the 165-meter- (540-feet-) high view was spotty. </p>
<p>The 34-year-old was unfazed. He marveled at how Singapore had changed since he arrived 14 years ago. </p>
<p>He quickly got to taking photographs for his family in India’s Tamil Nadu state. </p>
<p>“I am happy to enjoy the trip and enjoy together with my friends. Thanks to Singapore (I get to) come here,” Thivagar said. </p>
<p>Workers like Thivagar have had a rough time, as their dormitories were early hotspots for coronavirus infections. </p>
<p>Migrant workers have accounted for most of Singapore’s 60,000 reported cases.</p>
<p>Although the situation is under control, workers have tighter movement restrictions than the general population. These are being eased by authorities. </p>
<p>Natarajan Pandiarajan, 29, said the restrictions were “really difficult," so he was grateful for breathers like his recent ride. “Inside many feelings I also have. But this time now, coming on, happiness,” he said. </p>
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<p>“One Good Thing” is a series that highlights individuals whose actions provide glimmers of joy in hard times — stories of people who find a way to make a difference, no matter how small. Read the collection of stories at <a href="https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing">https://apnews.com/hub/one-good-thing</a></p>
<p>Associated Press religion coverage receives support from the Lilly Endowment through The Conversation U.S. The AP is solely responsible for this content.</p>
