Singapore Pools commemorated 50 years for community benefit with an unprecedented community service day, led by staff volunteers from the company’s CSR programme - iShine.
Aptly termed Mega iShine day, Singapore Pools branches were closed on 15th May 2018, from 1pm for the first time in the Company’s history as 300 of its staff volunteered at 6 locations island wide. Spirits were high as volunteers assembled at the office lobby before setting off for their various iShine activities.
Read up on the volunteer experience from the various iShine groups: Earth Buddiz; i-Care; i-Friend; Pals for Active Loving (P.A.L); SportzFrenz and Tender Love & Care (TL&C).
Along East Coast Park, we were fortunate to enjoy overcast skies that shielded our volunteers from the searing late-afternoon sun.
Volunteers congregated at a treeless open field and armed themselves with a pair of gloves and a shovel. While they toiled to plant the saplings, our volunteers were reminded that climate change is a real and pertinent issue that necessitates action from everyone in the community. The planting of trees is an expression of Singapore Pools’ commitment to environmental conservation and embracing greener lifestyles.
At Metta School, CEO of Singapore Pools, Mr Seah Chin Siong, along with the interns and staff volunteers engaged in batik painting together with artists from the school.
Melted wax is an essential part of batik painting to prevent the dye from seeping through the fabric. The room was brimming with activity as participants scuttled back and forth to collect sufficient wax for their designs. As the various artists shared their insights on batik painting, one could catch a glimpse of the creativity and talent they possess.
Slowly and steadily, the individual batik paintings were completed, and satisfied smiles emerged from participants' faces. It was an eye-opening afternoon for our volunteers as the students from Metta School showcased their skill and creativity.
Indeed, there is no such thing as disabilities, just different abilities.
Over at the Society for the Aged Sick, volunteers took part in a "kopi & makan" session at Hougang Ave 1 hawker centre. Singapore Pools staff graciously wheeled the elderly over to the hawker centre. The casual walk facilitated close interaction between the volunteers and the elderly.
It was heart-warming to see many volunteers engaging the old folks in conversation. There was an unmistakable air of genuine intimacy as the young communicated with the old. Everyone felt joyful sharing their life stories as they reminisced and laughed over the good old times. Cross-generational communication is important especially with an ageing population. Singapore Pools truly believes that fostering of close ties between the different generations will significantly benefit the community.
Meanwhile, the “Wonderful Liang Xi Mei” comedy flick was being aired in the auditorium room of Ci Yuan Community Center.
Laughter filled the room as the seniors and community residents reminisced over the classic comedy together with our volunteers. The close knitted seating arrangement, together with the joyous atmosphere made the room lively and upbeat.
When the movie ended, the beneficiaries shared that it was an enjoyable afternoon and were thankful and appreciative of goodie bags they received from the volunteers.
At Yishun Community Hospital, volunteers headed for the wards to welcome the elderly into the lounge and facilitated some fun games. Volunteers and the elderly were all smiles as they enthusiastically participated in the activities.
Everyone deserves to feel needed, respected and purposeful. The fun and games at Yishun Community Hospital reinforce the Singapore Pools commitment to uplifting the community.
Our volunteers at Sunbeam place grabbed paintbrushes and braced themselves for a colorful time. Volunteers were not disheartened by the scorching afternoon heat and were determined to finish the painting within the stipulated 3 hours.
It was truly a meaningful Golden Jubilee celebration through Mega iShine, as employees came together to celebrate and commemorate the spirit of Singapore Pools – for community benefit!