Past Activities
Newspaper Collection [6 September 2008]
On that day, volunteers gathered at TP taxi stand at 8.30am. However, a few volunteers were late and one of them was me. =P Sorry about that as I went around to collect newspapers from my aunt. Anyway, when all the volunteers had reached, Jian Xiang drove them to Tampines St. 71 Blk 722. There, they discussed the blocks to cover for the collection. Then, in 3 groups of 3, each group proceeded to their allocated block to start work.
As usual, newspapers, magazines, paper materials were collected from the residents. They had a quick lunch break at about 12pm before they continued their mission. The activity ended at 5pm. A total of 1400kg paper materials were collected. The paper materials were sold on that same day and the funds would be used to sponsor future voluntary activities. A Big Thank You to all helpers and residents! =)
Gathering [26 July 2008]
The gathering commenced at 3.45pm on that day. There were lots of participants, in fact, more than what they expected. 25 people turned up when they only expected 17. =D
Firstly, they played some games. This game was quite fun though some might think the forfeits were embarrassing. Nevertheless, it's worth it, right? =P
Next, they sat around a few joined tables to chit-chat, drink chinese tea, munch on snacks, sing songs and even had a few rounds of lame jokes and riddles. Laughter filled the room and you could see a smile hanging on each and everyone faces. =)
By 5.30pm, you could hear a few stomach growling. [Haha..] So they proceeded for dinner which the cooking team had just finished preparing. It was a sumptuous dinner fest. Each single dish was extremely delicious. Thank you very much cooking team =D
After dinner, they had their "dessert" - a cake from Angie the Choice. The intention of having the cake was to wish July, August and September babies a Happy Birthday and those who were going to Universities a smooth journey in their studies.
Look at the design of the cake, it's so cute. Don't you agree with me? Thank you Wei Hua for having the cake custom-made =)
And look at the well-wishes placed at the side of the cake. Guess what? It's the work of Wei Hua again. Good job, Wei Hua!
Before they were dismissed, they had a group photo. Look at the happy faces they had!
Think you missed the fun? Come join us on the next upcoming gathering on 5 October 2008! Hope to see you there! =)
Charity Sales Market [1 June 2008]
The sun was still asleep. The sky was still as dark as kopi-o with twinkling stars shining brightly. It was so quiet out there and yet this did not stop four early birds from being wide awake. After having a simple but fulfilling breakfast at a coffee shop, they proceeded to Temasek Polytechnic's Business Park where they were transformed into cook and assistants. =P
The kitchen was filled with chopping sounds, oil sizzling sound, fragrance of freshly cooked food, etc. When the first food on the menu was ready, assistants began to pack them into food containers. After having the food prepared and packed beautifully, volunteers set off to their destination - field next to Eunos MRT station. There, they arranged the food attractively on the two booths they owned. You could also see some volunteers busy making sandwiches, syrups and tahu goreng on the spot.
The hardwork of all volunteers did not go into drain. All buns, fried noodles, fried bee hoon and duck rice were sold within 2 hours! By 2.30pm, all food on the two booths were cleared.
Helping out at this voluntary event, volunteers were able to learn ways of cooking, packing, selling and promoting their sale items and at the same time, had fun. It was indeed a fun and challenging day for all. To close, Zhi Shan would like to thank all volunteers and all "customers" who patrolled our booths. Thank you.
*By the way, all funds collected were donated to Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic. Hope to see you on the next activity!*
One Day Tour with Elderlies [18 May 2008]
Early in the morning of 18 May 2008 (Sunday), volunteers from Temasek Polytechnic Community Service Club and Zhi Shan Voluntary Group gathered at Temasek Polytechnic's taxi stand. They were going to Bukit Merah View to fetch the elderlies staying there for a one day tour. At 8.45am sharp, volunteers began to take attendance of the elderlies and bring them to their allocated bus. After the elderlies had been settled down in the buses, they set off to their first stop with a number of 97 people in total.
On their way, Zhi Shan Voluntary Group group leader - Jian Xiang presented some meaningful stories. At 10am sharp, they reached their first destination - Taiwan Tidbits Warehouse. At the warehouse, volunteers and the elderlies enjoyed a feast of tidbits samples. They shopped happily for the delicious tidbits. Although volunteers shopped for the tidbits also, they did not forget their responsibilities. They looked after the elderlies with absolute care by helping them to carry their shopping bags and lead them to the washrooms. An hour later, volunteers brought the elderlies back to their buses. After ensuring that all were on board, they proceeded to their next stop for the day - Wheatgrass Farm.
They reached the Wheatgrass Farm at about 11.30am. The tour guide of the farm explained the features and benefits of wheatgrass, fungus, cactus and aloe vera. After the small lecture, the elderlies went around admiring the plants grown there. Next, they went to a little store in the farm to buy nutritious food made of wheatgrass, fungus, cactus and aloe vera. These nutritious food include aloe vera ice-cream, aloe vera cubes, cactus gui lin herb pudding, wheatgrass noodles, etc. After shopping, they board their buses again and set off to the last destination.
The last destination of the tour - Fire Flies Health Farm - used organic methods to grow various vegetables and fruits. Although the price of these groceries were higher than what's sold in a common wet market, the elderlies still bought some home for these groceries were grown without any chemicals.
After touring for half a day, most stomach could be heard growling. At 1.15pm, everyone had a heart-satisfying vegetarian lunch at Arena Country Club which is located at Upper Jurong Road. When everyone had their fill, they took a group photo. Then, volunteers sent the elderlies home.
After the tour, all volunteers had mixed feelings. All felt that they had made the right decision of helping out at the one day tour rather than sleeping at home. Although all volunteers had insufficient sleep and brought along their panda eyes, upon seeing the smiles and happiness on the faces of the elderlies, they felt from the bottom of their hearts that all were worth it.
Newspaper Collection [15 March 2008]
Newspapers, magazines, etc, were collected from residents living in Tampines Street 71 on 15 March 2008 (Saturday) from 9am to about 5.15pm. There were a total of 1970kg of the paper materials collected. They were sold on the day and the funds would be used to purchase rice for distribution to the elderlies living in Bukit Merah View and to sponsor voluntary activities in the future. [Note: The funds were used to bring elderlies out for a one day tour on 18 May 2008 instead as there were still rice sufficient in the store]
Lunar New Year Senior Citizen's Gathering [16 February 2008]
Volunteers went to help out in setting up the place for the annual Lunar New Year Senior Citizen's Gathering. They also helped to coordinate the event through various acts such as teaching elderlies the skills of making ang bao fish, giving out of lucky draw prizes and the carrying out of games. The climate of this event was the food! There were yusheng, fried noodles, prawns, fish, meat, vegetables and yam paste. Souvenirs were also presented to voluntary groups, including us, by the guest-of-honour, Miss Indranee Thurai Rajah (Deputy Speaker of Parliament & Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC).
Joy of Festivity [19 January 2008]
In collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic's Community Service Club (TP CSC) and Chinese Orchestra, Joy of Festivity was held in the morning of 19 Jan 2008 to celebrate Chinese New Year and the birthdays of the elderlies living in Bukit Merah View. TP CSC played games and sing songs with the elderlies. TP Chinese Orchestra performed beautiful tunes which pleased the elderlies. There was also a reunion lunch with the elderlies and TP CSC and TP Chinese Orchestra presented Mandarin oranges to the elderlies. Joy of Festivity was a day filled with loads of fun and laughter! =)
Charity Sales Market [1 December 2007]
In the morning of this day, volunteers gathered at the area in front of Ngee Ann City at Orchard Road. They sold vegetarian food such as Mee Siam, sandwiches, bread, duck rice, noodles, mango jellies and many more for charity. "Owning" two booths, volunteers positioned the food neatly and attractively. Then they did whatever they could to sell the food as many and as fast as possible. With special thanks to all who contributed to the event to make it a successful one, the funds collected was the highest of all the past charity sales the voluntary group had raised. The funds collected were donated to the Singapore Children's Society.
Flag Day [19 June 2007]
The annual Flag Day was commenced in the morning at Tampines Street 81. When the day turned noon, volunteers proceeded to Tampines Street 21 to continue their mission after a quick and simple lunch. Through this event, we got to know that there are many kind souls in this small island. We successfully raised a great sum for the Singapore Buddhist Free Clinic where free medical treatment is provided to the poor. Thank you Singapore!
