What: Chinese New Year Charity

When: 26th January 2013

Where: ComCare Network Senior Activity Centre (Ang Mo Kio)

Participant(s): Bengyan, Bi Hui, Clarence, Eunice Zee, Jasmine, Jean, Jiamin, Joanne Chong, Jun Yee, Kahyin, Lionel, Lionel’s Mum, Melissa, Pei Jun, Phyllis, Phyllis’s Mum, Rui En, Sandra Teo, Ser Chee, Shirley, Shu Pei, Xinyi, Yanjun, Yanling, Yanping, Yeeling, Yvonne Lim, Zhiqing

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Jun Yee, Participant:

I am thankful to be given an opportunity to participate in a charity event at the start of the year, as this has motivated me to work harder for my A levels, which will happen at the end of the year. Before the event, I felt that life is tough as I have to juggle between my CCA and studies, and I do not think that I am able to cope with such a “terrible” life. However, after communicating and witnessing the lifestyle of the residents we visited, I have learnt to 知足常乐。

For example, a girl who lives with her parents and two other siblings in a one-room flat made me feel guilty. When I stepped into her house, the first thing that caught my attention was a photo of her and her mother, attending an award ceremony. Despite living in such a cramp environment, she is still able to focus on her studies and achieve good results. Then I started asking myself this question: why am I still not studying as hard despite having my own room and study table? 我真是不懂得惜福啊。。

Anyway, I am very proud of my group. Yan Ping, Pei Jun and I were so cheerful during the event that many elderly wanted to offer us drinks. 真是的, shy leh. HAHAHA! I really like the new idea of grouping in 3s. 三个人，不多，不少，刚刚好！We managed to bond with one another and I have lost count of the number of funny things we said. I only know that I was laughing throughout the entire event. SO HAPPY to do a charity happily :D

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Lionel’s mum, Participant:

I felt very happy to be able to get involved in this year charity work as I have been a housewife for quite some time and never had a chance to try something new. It has been an interesting day for me to spend time with young people who are kind and warm to care for others, and it warms my heart too as I followed them to each household.

The warmth and laughter they brought to the elderly heartens me too.

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Melissa, Participant:

This CNY Charity is my first volunteering experience with RBKD. As this was my first time, my teammates, Lionel and Jasmine, did a great job in guiding me along.

We really had lots of fun visiting and chatting with the elderly, sharing jokes and also “fighting” for the lifts with fellow Rangels. I think everyone was exhausted, from all that going up and down and lugging of the 5kg rice/eggs/goodies to every unit, but there were lots of joy and laughter. This experience gave me a chance to do something I would otherwise never get to do (i.e. to interact with elderly).

The goodies for the elderly

My group came across this granny who is 89 years old, has hearing difficulties and cannot stand for long periods of time. When she goes out, she has to be in a wheelchair. But when she was talking to us about her life, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, you could see the joy in her eyes. She told us how filial they are and how much she enjoys cooking for them even though it tires her to stand in the kitchen all day. Basically, she is an optimist who smiles through her difficulties. If you were there first-hand listening to her, you would actually feel her zest.

Just like my teammate, Jasmine, said, people like this granny really inspire one to not give up, no matter what difficulties you might be facing, because there are people who have to go through more than you and are still living. It might be easier said than done but really, when you feel down and out, just remember.

This volunteering experience also made me love RBKD so much more. RBKD is not just a fan club. It is so much more. RBKD is a group of people who CAN do other things, like benefiting our society, other than just cheering for our Idol. I am proud that I can be a part of RBKD. I really loved this experience and hope to have more of such opportunities in future. Of course, Idol’s surprise appearance made the experience even sweeter.

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