“Sharing Grains of Hope” is what the Henderson Inter-faith Goodwill Store project is all about. Originally run by student volunteers from Nanyang Business School (NBS), this project has expanded to involve other NTU students with the same goal in mind: to spread joy and kindness by ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities.

Henderson IGS comes in the form of a 40-foot cargo container located at Block 93 Henderson Road, which is filled with a variety of food including rice and canned food. It is managed by both Tanglin-Cairnhill grassroots leaders and student volunteers, with food that has been kindly donated by Singapore Buddhist Lodge and other donors. Every first Thursday night and first Sunday morning of the month, low-income families residing in the rental flats in Henderson area are provided with food rations. To streamline distribution processes, the committee has replaced the previous coupon system with a card system, for them to keep track of the residents’ monthly collections.

However, it is not just about food rations. The volunteers take the effort to make the distributions more special in the hope of improving their lifestyle and adding more colour in their lives. Rather than strictly sticking to food, other items such as soap and shoes are occasionally included in the distribution. Seasonal treats, such as mooncakes, Chinese New Year cookies and unique home decorations to bring the spirit of festivity to the households, are given out as well!

At the end of the day, despite some challenges faced in transport arrangements and manpower, it is the sight of the smiles of the residents and the excitement of the children residing in the Henderson flats that encourage the committee to continue giving their best to serve the community.


About Henderson Inter-faith Goodwill Store

Henderson Inter-faith Goodwill Store is a student-run food ration distribution centre under the management of the Nanyang Business School (NBS) Service Learning Committee.

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