Beyond enabling young Singaporeans at the workplace, Young NTUC is also focused on helping them lead more meaningful lives outside of the workplace.
Project Refresh @ Kaki Bukit is the latest initiative. The day-long engagement on 30 July 2017 saw more than 160 youth volunteers come together to freshen up 24 homes belonging to less privileged residents in Kaki Bukit. Of these volunteers, 42 were from the Attractions, Resorts & Entertainment Union (AREU) and Air Transport Executive Staff Union (AESU).
The event was part of Young NTUC’s U Heart 2017 initiative in partnership with NTUC Income to give youths an opportunity to make a difference through volunteerism. Besides general cleaning, the volunteers also helped spruce up the residents’ homes with new lights and a fresh coat of paint.
“Empathy with the elderly residents makes me want to volunteer my time. Seeing the pleasure and happiness on the faces of these elderly beneficiaries after their homes get revamped and become more comfortable is what gives me joy,” said Michelle Lim, 32, from AREU.
Giving Back
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Young NTUC Executive Secretary Desmond Choo shared that such activities create awareness amongst young Singaporeans that despite Singapore’s prosperity, there are still families in need of support from the community.
Through platforms such as U Heart, young Singaporeans will have an opportunity to not only volunteer their time and skills to make a difference, but also take the lead with their own skills-based volunteerism efforts.
“Today, I’m sensing something different, where we have people from all walks of life coming to help our residents here. I see this as a development, where we started from helping residents in one to two homes, to helping 24 homes today. What I hope is that one day, we can have a sustainable programme here in Kaki Bukit to serve the needs of these residents,” said Education Services Union and Singapore Port Workers Union Deputy Executive Secretary Shamsul Kamar. He is also advisor to the Kaki Bukit Grassroots Organisation.
