Caption: Volunteers from the National University of Singapore and Singapore Power spreading the volunteerism message.
There are so many ways you can volunteer. That was the take home message for shoppers who visited the inaugural SG Cares Carnival held at Our Tampines Hub on Saturday, 13 January 2018.
Organised by SG Cares and MediaCorp, the event was officiated by Singapore’s Prime Minister Mr Lee Hsien Loong. This event brought together volunteers, beneficiaries, social enterprises and community groups and corporate partners to celebrate the nation’s efforts of caring.
“I did not realise there are so many ways we can chip in to help the needy in society. This carnival is useful as there are so many charity organisations sharing with us what their needs are. We will know where to go to volunteer the next time,” said Mrs Teoh who was at Our Tampines Hub with her husband, two children and mother-in-law.
Caption: Staff from TOUCH and volunteers from SP posing with Minister Heng Swee Keat
Volunteers from TOUCH and corporate partner Singapore Power (SP) also had a meaningful time sharing with the public about volunteering opportunities.
SP volunteers have been befriending seniors from TOUCH Seniors Activity Centre (TSAC) for the past year through monthly exercise and breakfast sessions. They have also organised tea sessions and raised funds for the work of TOUCH.
Caption: TSAC senior sharing about how the work of volunteers has impacted the seniors
Also present were volunteers from the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Community Service Club and TOUCH’s senior volunteers who also shared about their volunteering experience.
The NUS students are a familiar sight at TSAC as they spend two hours each week chatting with the seniors and sometimes cleaning their homes.
“I have learnt more about TOUCH as I help to promote its volunteering opportunities to the public. I have also learnt to use the conversation starter kit to interact with them. This kit is perfect for youths who may not be comfortable speaking in Mandarin or dialect. It helps us to go beyond the usual ‘Have you eaten?’ question,” said NUS student Mr Hong Ji Jun, 23.
“I am glad I am here to volunteer together with the seniors from TOUCH. I am learning from them too as they share about their befriending programme. I feel encouraged to see them at this carnival, spreading the volunteering message; it gives them a sense of belonging to the community,” said NUS student Mr Tan Jing Hao, Jere, 23.
There are so many ways you can volunteer! You can deliver meals, sponsor outings, improve homes or accompany seniors for their medical appointments. If you have a heart for needy seniors, please call 6804 6565 or email [email protected].