Volunteering with RSVP since 2011

After retiring from my hectic work life in 2002, I wanted more free time for myself. At the same time, I wanted to be healthy both physically and mentally. I wanted to remain active and volunteering was a good option.

Prior to discovering RSVP, I was helping out as a grassroots leader in the Yishun Central MAEC in the late 1990s. From 2006 to 2010, I was the Secretary for The Baweanese Association of Singapore. Currently, I am still a committee member of the organisation. In May 2009, I joined Tsao Foundation as a volunteer and was subsequently recruited as a Health Promotion Board Senior Health Ambassador in February 2011.

In early 2011, I came to know about RSVP through my son and daughter-in-law who encouraged me to find out more about the organisation. I then started volunteering as a mentor for a group of primary school students in Punggol.

I remember vividly that I almost gave up on the Mentoring programme because of a defiant student. I was extremely disappointed in his attitude and lack of respect for the mentors. However after some reflection, I knew that the students really needed help and I cannot simply just walk away. I’m glad that I took up the challenge and persevered. Today I am still an active mentor helping students who lack parental guidance. Besides Mentoring, I am also a museum docent for the Malay Heritage Centre. Apart from doing volunteering work at RSVP, I am also a Pioneer Generation Ambassador (PGA) for Nee Soon Central GRC.

Volunteering has been an integral part of my retirement years and I hope to inspire more seniors to come forth and volunteer for a good cause. I have gained much satisfaction over the years as a volunteer. It is also a wonderful feeling to be able to contribute meaningfully to the society.