Operation VO50

Here are various Operation VO50 experiences:

What's even better than spreading love to the community is inspiring others to do likewise. One group of advocates achieved this through encouraging customers of Potong Pasir neighbourhood food stalls to write short messages of appreciation and motivation to shop owners. Rallying the support of busy customers was not an easy task, but with perseverance and a strong passion for their cause, these dedicated Saints managed to collect a number of encouragement notes from children to elderly customers alike. The notes were then pasted onto attractively decorated boards which were given as tokens of appreciation to stall owners. This activity not only reminded Tau Huey Auntie and Chicken Rice Stall Uncle about awesome they are, but more importantly, it reminded everyone to always be appreciative to the people around them. What better way to exemplify the VO motto 'advocating changes, inspiring lives' than to spread the culture of thanksgiving and encouragement in the community?

- Tiffany

We gave out paper heart badges to people to remind them that kindness starts from them and that we should encourage each other to do things that will make others (even strangers) happy. During the process, it was rather difficult to approach the strangers. Many of them thought we were asking for donations and were doubtful of our intentions but as we explained our course, they were understanding and happy to receive their little gift. Even though we only manage to give out a few hearts, it felt as though our little reminder went a long way to remind them about spreading kindness to others.

- Qi Shuang

In the afternoon heat, the construction workers still work hard to renovate and bring a new image to Potong Pasir. Thus, we decided to give them cold drink to express our appreciation. Along with each drink can is a note filled with our thanks to the workers. Despite the short interaction, we managed to convey our gratitude and light up a smile to their faces. Seeing them brighten up after much hard work certainly brought us joy too. We hope these workers can continue receiving more recognition for their contributions. 

-Trang

Volunteering at Willing Hearts during SLRP 2015

Willing Hearts in a secular, non-denominational and non-affiliated charity. They operate a soup kitchen that prepares, cooks and distributes about 4,500 meals to the needy every single day. 

As part of our residential stay, we headed down to their soup kitchen located at the Kembangan - Chai Chee Community Hub at 5.30 am in the morning. Despite being early in the morning, the kitchen was already running, and at a very fast - paced, leaving us at a loss to what we were supposed to do. The volunteers who are already there started assigning us with various tasks such as preparing the frozen food, stirring the curry, lining the pratas for baking etc. Since it was our first time there, many of us were unsure of our tasks, and started off quite clumsily. However, as the time pass by, we got more familiarise with our tasks and we could complete them in a shorter amount of time. By 7.30 am, there were more volunteers streaming in. The kitchen was filled with many different types of volunteers, such as undergraduates, working adults and aunties and uncles. It is heartening for me to see different types of volunteers coming together in the soup kitchen to help out and this also encouraged me to go back to Willing Hearts to help out again. For me, this was a very tiring experience but at the same time, very meaningful as I've learned that every single one of us plays a very important role in helping and giving back to the community. 

- Denise