Let's talk about my volunteering life....
Hmmm, I have been exposed to volunteering since my secondary school. Still remembered the first Home i went to was Villa Francis Home for The Aged situated along Mandai Road.
Thanks to my parents, i was able to communicate to the elderly there using my native language, Hokkien!. And thanks to my sister who loves to watch Hong Kong Drama series when i'm younger, i'm able to converse using my half bucket Cantonese.
The smiles from these elderly actually reminds me of my grandma who passed on when i was primary 4. The constant 'Thank you' from these elderly shows that they really appreciate our visits and it brings warmth and loves in their heart.
I stopped volunteering work since and only started my volunteering life in 2003 after i graduated in my part time degree. I searched and chance upon a Home which the words 'Non-profitable organisation' caught my attention.
It was Sree Narayana Home for the Aged Sick that is situated in Yishun Ave 5. Minutes away from Yishun MRT station.
More info:
http://www.snhvolunteer.com/
Since then, i was an active volunteer participating in the weekly activities, outings and yearly festive celebration in the Home. But became an ad-hoc volunteer due to work commitments.
Some pics to share:
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| Botanical Garden Outing |
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| I'm 007 James Bond in a Chirstmas Skit at the Home |
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| Chinatown outing with SNHome. Beside me is my mum ;) |
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| SN Volunteer Annual Camp - the bonding of volunteers |
I enjoyed doing overseas volunteering as well. Especially when i know i could render my helping hands when natural disasters hit many of the countries surrounding us.
We are really fortunate to be able to live peacefully in Singapore without any natural disasters. I'm blessed.
Some pics for sharing:
Volunteering in Sri Lanka:
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| Briefing by In-charge from Habitat for Humanity |
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| The power of Mother Earth during Tsunami |
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| With the lovely kids in Sri Lanka |
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| Honey at work! |
Volunteering in Nepal:
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| What a warm welcome by the villagers, teachers & students |
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| Our 'Hotel' by the village, Chitti |
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| Re-paint their classroom table/bench |
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| This is their classroom! looks like typhoon just pass right! haha |
I really experienced a lot during all the overseas volunteering trips. Its such an eye opener and i am glad and fortunate to be in Singapore. Our education and live is so much better as compared to the 3rd world countries. So as much as possible, i wish i could do my best to help those in need.
And because of my desire to serve in humanity, i decided to join in the Singapore Red Cross so that i can serve internationally when require. But sad to said that due to work commitments, i could not render much help though. But i know as long as i have the heart, i will be granted in due time.
Some of my first aid duty every year at the Y-Camp:
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| Act idiot..haha..my hair still long last yr! |
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| All First Aider in Ycamp |
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| On standby at First Aid Station |
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| Strong Friendship bond of D9 - Birthday of MRT! haha |
Lastly, my most enjoyed volunteering is to 'Bring live music to the beneficiaries'!!. Am currently a member and ad-hoc trainer for Volunteer Guitar Connection. This group was founded in 2004, with a simple intention of a few volunteers wanting to bring music to the elderly at the home during weekly services. Then a few guitarist formed this group and eventually the family grows with like-minded joining in to contribute back to society through music.
More info can be found here:
http://volunteerguitarconnection.wordpress.com/about/
But frankly, i'm not a very good guitarist. Just able to play some songs and bring joy to the beneficiaries...my strength is in the african drum in our group...haha.. Thanks to School band, i have a strong foundation of beats & rhythm when playing the bass instrument.
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| Invitation by Nee Soon East CC |
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| CNY celebration at Kreta Ayer |
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| Song singing at SN Annual Camp |
So please do join me or contact me if you have any query about volunteering. I'll be more than willing to link u up to the respective agency! Cheers
“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa
"We must be the change we wish to see." Ghandi
“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.” The Buddha
