Giving Back – Where It Matters Most
Volunteering is nothing new to me. As the President of RP’s Service-Learning Club in AY2024, I’ve taken part in many initiatives supporting various causes. But this was the first time I volunteered in my own backyard – Choa Chu Kang.
There’s something uniquely heartwarming about giving back to the place that shaped who you are. Familiar faces, familiar streets – and now, a new kind of purpose.
Saturday with a Difference
While most people were easing into their weekend, 18 of us showed up bright and early at 9 a.m. under a void deck in Choa Chu Kang, ready to serve.
Despite coming from different academic schools, we clicked immediately. Soon after, our lecturer, Ms Leong Phei Phei, and staff from the social service organisation Realm of Tranquility joined us to brief us on our mission.
Beyond just distributing provisions, the Year 1 students also had a media task — to capture and amplify the work of Realm of Tranquility through short videos and social media posts.
Packing with Heart
Before we could knock on doors, we needed to pack the essentials. We formed a human chain, passing along eight different items – from baked beans to cooking oil – and filled green reusable bags proudly stamped with the Realm of Tranquility logo.
In no time, we had 61 bags packed and ready for distribution, a true testament to teamwork and shared purpose.
Door-to-Door, Heart-to-Heart
With our bags packed, we divided into smaller groups of three to four. Each group was assigned around 10 homes in nearby rental blocks, accompanied by volunteers from Pro Bono SG, a charity that provides free legal support.
As we moved from floor to floor, handing over the provisions, I felt something stir. Every “thank you” and every smile wasn’t just polite gratitude, iit was connection. It was a community.
This wasn’t just about essentials. It was about showing up for someone. And for me, it was showing up at home.
The Impact Lingers
Once our bags were all handed out, we regrouped for a final reflection.
Though I’ve volunteered many times before, this experience stood out. Volunteering where I live brought a sense of fulfilment I hadn’t expected. It opened my eyes to the quiet, often overlooked struggles within our own estates.
This day reminded me that no act of kindness is too small. And sometimes, the most powerful impact you can make is right at your doorstep.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time or the right cause — maybe, just maybe, it’s closer than you think.
