In the months leading up the Chinese New Year, Singapore Pools staff teamed up with students from various institutions to clean more than 30 homes of elderly living in rental flats, under Project SPHERE.

On 10 January 2012, more than 20 Singapore Pools staff representing branches in the southern region of the island, and more than 50 students from ITE College West and Dunman High School, cleaned the homes of elderly living in Blocks 4, 5 and 7 to 10 at North Bridge Road.

Earlier on 10 December 2011, five Singapore Pools staff from its headquarters and branches, and about 40 Catholic Junior College student volunteers extended helping hands to the elderly living at Blocks 20 and 21, Jalan Tenteram.

For both sessions, volunteers wiped windows and furniture, washed toilets and mopped floors, and cleaned hard-to-reach places and corners in the flats. In between cleaning, volunteers also found time to chit-chat with the elderly, many of whom are living alone.

Mr Tan Kok Hiong, Assistant Branch Manager shared, “I am happy to be able to help these old folks. It was also interesting to hear them talk about their life experiences”.

Project SPHERE is a programme funded by the Tote Board, with Singapore Pools as a partner in the volunteering effort. SPHERE stands for Students, Singapore Pools and HDB Enriching and Reaching out to the Elderly. Under the programme, Singapore Pools staff and students from various schools help to clean the homes of the elderly living in rental HDB flats.

(From left) Volunteers at the briefing session before embarking on the spring-cleaning effort on 10 December 2011; Tan Kok Hiong, Assistant Branch Manager, wiping furniture; and Student volunteers tackling hard-to-reach places.

Read about the spring-cleaning efforts by Singapore Pools staff from branches around the eastern region of Singapore here.