The Live More In A Minute video series comprises of eight videos, and show how people can make the most of their everyday lives. In each episode, it provides tangible tips on how viewers can “live more”.
In two of the videos, it featured administrative assistant Deborah Ong and sales manager Eric Tan, who spoke about the joys of volunteering.
The series is part of DBS’ 50th anniversary efforts to encourage people to seize life’s opportunities and live fruitful lives.
It is also in line with a new nation-wide initiative called 18 Days Of Giving, A Lifetime Of Caring, which aims to bring the nation together in growing the Singapore Cares movement – a social movement based on a spirit of care and compassion – to build a more caring and inclusive home for all.
Deborah Ong: Driven to help others
Helping others enriches one’s own life. That is what drives administrative assistant Deborah Ong to volunteer. The 26-year-old, who has been volunteering regularly with the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) since last year, says: “It might seem strange, as you are giving up your time. But volunteering allows you to gain a new perspective of the world and appreciate the little things in life.”
She regularly attends events organised by the Me Too! Club, a programme under MINDS that aims to enhance the social integration of people with intellectual disabilities through leisure and befriending activities.
Her advice for people who are keen to volunteer is to do so with an open mind. “There are so many types of volunteer work. There is something for everyone regardless of your schedule,” she says.
“And the experiences and insights you get along the way are things which money cannot buy.”
Eric Tan: Joy and satisfaction from volunteering
Every Saturday for at least four hours, you will find Mr Eric Tan, 58, at a Seniors Activity Centre at Block 35 Circuit Road, which is run by Care Community Services Society.
There, the sales manager spends time with elderly folk, most of whom are in their 60s to 80s, playing games such as Bingo.
He says: “There is a lot of meaning in making someone else’s life better. It is much more fulfilling than watching television or lazing around at home.”
Apart from Seniors Activity Centres, Care Community Services Society also runs after-school student care centres, as well as a cognitive care programme for those who suffer from, or are at risk of getting dementia.
The organisation’s executive director, Mr Dewin Lee, 48, says some of its volunteers come up with and facilitate lesson plans for various programmes and services.
“All our volunteers play an important role because they bring different skills and talents,” he adds.
“They come from various industries, from Navy specialists to lawyers to doctors.”
Watch both Deborah and Eric’s video story below:
Read more here.
Source: The Straits Times, 29 July 2018