Do you believe that those whom you
have come across have benefited from
your efforts?
When the couple who nearly split up
presented me with a ‘Thank You’ card and
the organisation in charge acknowledged my
efforts, I realised that my contributions have
assisted the couple and their family.
The schizophrenic man called out happily
to me one day when we bumped into each
other at an MRT station and updated me that
he is living happily with another individual.
He also shared that he is gainfully employed
and has joined several activities with other
organisations to improve his life. I was so
happy for him.
I was conducting a training on mobile apps
one day when I realised that someone was
tugging at my elbow requesting training on
another app. I knew then that she has learnt
what I was teaching originally and wished to
acquire even more knowledge.
What keeps you volunteering despite
your heavy commitments?
Time often stands in contradiction with
volunteering. What is elusive is often the fact
that every one of us has 24 hours. It is a question
of what we want to prioritise and schedule
what we wish to do. We can always start with
something small, but build a consistency in
what we wish to do.
At the end of the day, it is what we want to
do with our lives. With little moments of
volunteerism, it is knowing the little difference
we have made and the intangible rewards of
satisfaction that make it all worthwhile. Along
the way while volunteering, we enrich our life
experiences through learning.
So, I would like to encourage all to start today.
Do small deeds, join as our alumni volunteers,
do whatever you can, share your talents and
use your gifts. But most of all, take a step
forward by setting aside some time. The more
you serve, the more you receive. And live life to
the fullest!
We must always remember what Elizabeth
Andrew said: “Volunteers do not necessarily
have the time; they just have the heart.”
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