Like most 19-year-olds, Goh Jian An has a very busy and active social life. But he always finds time to volunteer for events organised by nEbO’s W.I.S.H (Ways In Sharing Happiness).
nEbO, the junior membership arm of the Labour Movement, began this month-long event in January with the objective to make a difference in other peoples’ lives.
The initiative drew together 400 youth volunteers to help 385 beneficiaries through over 10 events and projects.
One event was a visit to Shan You Counselling Centre where nEbO youths helped to spring clean just before the Lunar New Year on 25 January 2014.
Jian An shared his experiences as one of the volunteers at Shan You.
“The elderly people were very friendly, they interacted with us so I guess the fun element is there but at the same time we helped to clean up their homes,” the Temasek Polytechnic student said.
W.I.S.H also conducts fundraising activities from nEbO’s L.O.V.E (Living On the Very Edge) movement.
Together with NTUC Club, nEbO raised a total of $300,000 for the Shan You Counselling Centre through the movement.
A third of the funding will be allocated to six months of food ration service for 300 households.
The rest of the funds will be used for setting-up a permanent thrift shop selling pre-loved and new items and appliances at affordable prices, as well as a drop-in centre for students to do internet research and learning.
The movement also aimed to raise funds for various beneficiaries such as the Singapore Red Cross Society and Family Life Centre.
NTUC Club Chief Officer Yeo Khee Leng is grateful for the youth volunteers in nEbo’s Care Community.
"As an NTUC Social Enterprise, NTUC Club is mindful of our social purpose to Do Good. It is heartening to see the social consciousness and passion exhibited by the youths in nEbO’s Care Community, particularly those involved in the L.O.V.E movement.” said the NTUC Club Chief Officer.
Through large-scale initiatives like W.I.S.H, nEbO hopes to further grow volunteerism among the youths.
Original article written by Joshua Joseph, and can be found in NTUC This Week (23 February 2014)
