Perspective
Joys of volunteering as a family
Yeo Chiu-Har and her family look forward to our annual grocery pack distribution effort. We unpack her story to find out what keeps them coming back.
Perspective
Why does the Adopt A Rental Block initiative hold a special meaning for you?
It’s one of the programs close to my heart as I grew up in Boon Lay.
In my growing up years, I lived in a three-room HDB flat with my parents and two siblings.
Taking part in this event allows me to give back to my old ‘kampung’ (village) and brings back memories of my childhood.
You’ve been volunteering with your spouse and children. How did that start?
It happened after this Adopt a Block activity moved from Taman Jurong to the Boon Lay area in 2013.
I recall thinking how it’d be a good opportunity to bring my family to the neighborhood where I grew up.
As a parent, I was also thinking that involving my children in such a community event can also help them be more empathetic and caring.
It opened their eyes and broadened their perspectives.
What does the family look forward to at the annual program?
We really enjoy being part of the packing action!
We really enjoy being part of the packing action!
It is a massive production line with people of all ages coming together. From preparing the items straight out of their bulk packaging to handing them out the volunteer packers.
Seeing everyone’s contribution to take everything apart from pallets to bags under an hour: The transformation is truly amazing.
It gives us a sense of satisfaction, and reminds me of how we can each play our small part that adds up to a larger cause for those who may need more support.
I also remember my children feeling so disappointed for the few years that we couldn’t participate. It’s something they look forward to, and I’m glad we are back to volunteer again this year!
Giving back to our community (Adopt-A-Rental-Block 2024)
Was there a particularly memorable AARB?
It’ll be the 2023 edition after the pandemic.
I had a proud-mum moment witnessing my three children handle the packing, distribution and independently communicating with the residents in the rental households.
All three of them were strong enough to carry two bags each, and asked me to focus on tracking the households we had visited by getting signatures, or dropping off the collect-it-later letters.
My heart swelled as I saw them walk ahead of me across the corridors of the rental blocks. They knocked on doors, introduced themselves, approached the residents politely, and handed out the bags.
I can still remember the days when the bags were too heavy for them, or they were too shy to start a conversation with the residents.
Another visible note was seeing how they’ve grown up and outgrown their first ExxonMobil volunteer T-shirt! I had to ask for a bigger size for my son so it can fit his broad shoulders.
This event is also fun for us, and brings lots of laughter. In 2023, the weather was so humid after a downpour, and we perspired a lot during the packing.
During the break, we sat down on a dry spot to wait for the next part of the program. Once we stood up, we burst out laughing after recovering from the shock and mild embarrassment when we saw our sweaty butt-prints on the floor!
It’ll be the 2023 edition after the pandemic.
I had a proud-mum moment witnessing my three children handle the packing, distribution and independently communicating with the residents in the rental households.
All three of them were strong enough to carry two bags each, and asked me to focus on tracking the households we had visited by getting signatures, or dropping off the collect-it-later letters.
My heart swelled as I saw them walk ahead of me across the corridors of the rental blocks. They knocked on doors, introduced themselves, approached the residents politely, and handed out the bags.
I can still remember the days when the bags were too heavy for them, or they were too shy to start a conversation with the residents.
Another visible note was seeing how they’ve grown up and outgrown their first ExxonMobil volunteer T-shirt! I had to ask for a bigger size for my son so it can fit his broad shoulders.
This event is also fun for us, and brings lots of laughter. In 2023, the weather was so humid after a downpour, and we perspired a lot during the packing.
During the break, we sat down on a dry spot to wait for the next part of the program. Once we stood up, we burst out laughing after recovering from the shock and mild embarrassment when we saw our sweaty butt-prints on the floor!
