During my university days, I joined a school overseas community project coordinated by The Green Volunteers. That was when I first got to know their work. After the trip, an injury sidelined me from sports and pushed me to try out something new - gardening! 

Watching my plants grow from seeds and trying different sorts of plant-related activities got me hooked right away. It has been fulfilling; a pleasure and an honour to learn from others and to meet like-minded people. You are never alone in the quest for a better world. 

In our work, we reach out to people to get them to be more conscious about the world we live in. The trees and shrubs we plant also act as a source of inspiration for people to create change where they are. There were several times when members of the public complimented on the butterflies our garden attracted and hoped to bring it to their workplace. 

One day, when you find yourself having some free time and having this urge to do something 'good', find a purpose that calls out to you and that rings with your soul. It is about something bigger than you. Get your hands dirty, feet wet, go all out and cherish the moments. Your interests may change with time but we hope that your spirit to better our world never ceases.

Ever since I can remember I’ve been passionate about nature and wildlife. When I saw the opportunity to volunteer for wildlife rescue with ACRES, I jumped at the opportunity and have enjoyed every moment of it since. 

I love collaborating with ACRES staff and my fellow volunteers. I really look forward to each shift and try to volunteer at least a couple of times a month (each shift is around 8-9 hours). It’s great to work with others who are passionate about the same cause. 

Volunteering for wildlife rescue has been a great way to make a difference to the community and directly address human-wildlife conflict. I also like the opportunity we have to educate people on how to co-exist with wildlife, help address their ‘fear of the unknown’ when it comes to certain species that they may have previously perceived as 'dangerous' or 'undesirable', and eventually ensure that all of our Singapore wildlife have a better chance of surviving and thriving. 

I’d highly encourage everyone (doesn’t matter how old or young you are) to volunteer as often as they can; I think you can make a tangible impact on the community and at the same time, it truly gives you a sense of purpose.

My journey as an animal welfare volunteer started with a photo of a dog with a swollen leg. It was during the pandemic times, when the world was stuck at home scrolling through the social media feeds, that I chanced upon Fern, a hit-and-run dog victim. My involvement started as a donor, sharing spare funds to help with the vet bills but it wasn't long before the call to contribute something more emerged. Fast forward to a couple of years after, here I am sharing my energy, presence and time to rescue animals in need and educate the community in hope to inspire compassion towards animals. 

My volunteer experience with AKF has not only been a pathway to finding a tribe who share a common journey and passion but also a rare chance to take part in something bigger and create a massive ripple together. With AKF and the dedication of its volunteers, no distance is too far, no challenge is too much and no miracle is impossible. 

AKF's holistic approach around responsible and sustainable rescuing not only saves the lives of helpless animals but also rallies the community towards collaboration for animal welfare. The ripples of change notably expands as we encounter more and more interested adopters for our rehabilitated rescues, reinforced focus of local governments on pet educational programs, mass neutering efforts and, of course, increasing volunteer applications. 

We can only add life to our days not by what we take, but mostly with what we give. Give yourself the chance to witness miracles in the lives of the voiceless animals and create a better tomorrow for them.

I have always loved and wanted to help animals. I heard about AKF through social media and related groups and then decided to volunteer. I found out that they not only rescue companion animals but farm animals too. 

My first major AKF volunteering experience was the 2020 Taal Volcanic Eruption, a baptism by fire. It was a remarkable experience as I learned and appreciated the welfare of farm animals. We worked with all sorts of animals including horses and hogs! One memorable moment would be running after the scared horses. But what broke my heart and scared me was when we had to pass a road in Agoncillo, Batangas, where an empty truck had broken down. We had to make the decision to move forward and brave the danger to bring a truck full of dog food for the hungry and sick animals. It was worth it. 

AKF has played a major role during the Taal eruptions and has since worked with other partners to prepare for such an emergency. Together with my fellow volunteers, we have also worked passionately to educate the public about animal welfare, vaccinations, spay and neuter, and rabies awareness. 

Recently, I asked a friend to help me as I needed to transport a rescued kitten in CEU. My friend who is not exactly an animal lover, rescued the kitten with me. When I asked him why he helped, he said he had seen me do it many times and thought he could help this time too. 

We encourage compassion by being a good example. Let us use our skills and our voice for the voiceless. “When we match compassion with purpose, we begin to change the world.” – Zachariah Thompson

During the first pandemic lockdown, I had the headspace to think about what I wanted to do different when restrictions eased up. It seemed important, when I saw that wildlife began flourishing in cities with humans under lockdown, to put my efforts into continuing to support that once restrictions lifted. Through a Google search, I got to know about ACRES and signed up to be a volunteer. 

I am inspired by how unwaveringly ACRES upholds the mission to better animal welfare, and by the passion of the staff and volunteers that I work with. There is always something new to learn from my partners, the animals, and the members of public who call in. It has been a fantastic period of growth for me. The nature of a wildlife rescue hotline is such that animals in distress are found and presented to us through human witness, together with the whole range of emotions and interpretations of human-wildlife coexistence possible. Empowering members of the public to change feelings of fear, anger or indifference into self-control, understanding and compassion is a central part of what we do. 

While change often takes time, I have seen attitudes soften even in the course of a single rescue. Take some time to identify which organisations are most in line with what you value, then be open about how you can contribute to that organization!

My business partner Kennedy Michael founded Friends of Sungai Klang Taman Melawati River Three (FoSK TMR3), Friends of Sungai Klang Mid Valley River Three (FoSK MVR3) and the Alliance of River Three (ART!). He and Haji Mansor Ghani started the first Gotong Royong at Taman Melawati, along with Dr. Salmah Zakaria and others. It was supposed to take place weekly for a couple of months and there were quite a number of volunteers turning up. But as the Malay adage goes, "hangat-hangat tahi ayam”, and the numbers started dwindling. It was at this point that my curiosity about what Kennedy was up to at the river and his request for me to volunteer coincided. I went to volunteer and ended up being the co-founder and now Programme Director after 204 weeks and a bit.

You know the nursery rhyme, See Saw Up and Down? That’s what it has been like. Some partnerships have been inspiring, encouraging, impactful and fun while others have been less so. The best part has been journeying with like minded people - our key collaborators - Selangor Maritime Gateway, Fuze Ecoteer, Dr. Azlinda Saadon, Dr. Gailani@UCSI, Faisal Abd Rani @Impactlution and TRCRC to name a few. Like us, they too face tremendous challenges and like us they deal with it as ordinary human beings and not pretend that it is all sunshine and blue skies. Seeing their candor and honesty gives us room to be kind to ourselves in a landscape that can be brutal at times. 

The friendships formed and the mutual support, sharing, teaching, learning and connecting has been some of the best experiences about volunteering. The benefit of working in Nature, no need to say lah! What we are doing is sowing the seeds of change. Some will sprout. Some will survive. Some won’t. But we hope enough will. Volunteer and be part of the solution!

Reading books is my hobby. Three months after I came to Singapore, I saw a flyer on the notice board in my dormitory about a library nearby. That library is organized by ACE through MOM. Every weekend, I would go to the library to borrow a book. There, I met people from ACE and joined them as a FACE volunteer. Through that, I met people from AGWO who provide free courses for migrant workers. I joined them as a volunteer as well. Six months after, I attended the PSL programme by HealthServe and trained to be a Peer Support Leader. 

It has been an amazing journey as I learnt from others about their perspectives on problem-solving, and stress and anger management. And, I also worked with them to recreate happiness for migrant workers. We got members to write down on pieces of paper the happiest moments of their lives and fill up a happiness jar with them. After that, we read them one by one. In that moment, the impact of positivity was created. 

In my perspective, volunteering is a type of learning. Here, we develop our qualities such as leadership, management, service, compassion and kindness etc. I hope to invite people to volunteer so that we may better humanity together.

I became acquainted with Thrive Well after stumbling upon an impactful video posted by Our Better World. The video showcased the initiatives undertaken by Thrive Well, particularly their efforts in empowering women from lower-income backgrounds. Witnessing their commitment to fostering self-reliance and leadership among these women within their families and communities left a lasting impression on me. This led me to explore the opportunity for my class SOC317S Sociology of Family, Center For American Education, INTI International College Subang to volunteer with Thrive Well. 

Collaborating with Thrive Well and fellow volunteers has been a transformative experience. For my students, it marked their initial exposure to working with individuals from lower-income groups. Witnessing the challenges faced by this community and, more importantly, observing the impact of Thrive Well’s programs on their lives has been eye-opening. It's not just about identifying obstacles; it's about witnessing resilience and empowerment in the face of adversity. This collaboration has not only broadened their perspectives but has also instilled a deeper sense of empathy. 

The program on mental health awareness organized by Thrive Well has positively impacted the community. The introduction of a mental health screening booth provided valuable information. Outdoor activities, including senamrobik and a play corner for children, not only promoted physical well-being but also strengthened family bonds. The positive changes extend beyond the community, influencing the personal growth and fulfilment of the volunteers themselves. 

Seize every opportunity that comes your way. Volunteering is a chance to find yourself and feel a sense of purpose. It helps you grow personally by building skills like teamwork and leadership while contributing to your community.

I got connected as a volunteer for the T-CARE Surabaya SIF Project via the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW). I had the opportunity to witness the commitment and eagerness of the teacher-participants of East Java as they learned about the tools and knowledge needed to support the mental well-being of their students. 

The collaboration with fellow volunteers has been equally rewarding. Each of us brings a unique set of skills and experience to the table, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Our collective goal of enhancing the capabilities of our participants united us, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas could flow freely. 

In terms of impact, enhancing the capabilities of participants establishes a robust foundation for tackling mental health concerns in the education setting. As these educators and counsellors apply their newfound knowledge and skills, the impact can extend widely, positively influencing the well-being of numerous students over time. Additionally, the effort of the volunteers underscores the importance of collective action, inspiring others to join similar initiatives or embark on their own projects for impact. 

Through volunteering, you get to receive so much more than you give! Volunteering often leads to personal growth, learning, and a sense of fulfilment that can outweigh what you initially set out to give.

I volunteer my time in a number of ways. At SIF's DigiLABS (Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security paths), I serve as a lead volunteer facilitator and content partner. With the team of over 30 volunteers, we engaged over 400 youth across Asia in digital skilling. I also volunteer my time as the founder of VolunteerSG-Heartbeats, a youth-led platform with over 7300 volunteers and 150 community partners across Singapore. The platform promotes youth-adult partnerships in skills exchange and empowerment for social good. 

Similarly, I founded Volu&me, a global network of youth who engage, equip and empower global youth in community development and cultural exchange. I engage youth across 5 countries in exploring mentorship and volunteerism through digital, social and mental well-being. I got connected to volunteering through very generous mentors and friends around the world who come from all walks of life. 

In terms of collaboration and in my time with my global community development initiatives, I find that the lived experiences of youth across the globe always bring new insights and perspectives! Every community engaged brings a fresh approach to advocacy and this has made the engagements exciting and meaningful on every occasion. It has also been heartening to see young professionals contribute to DigiLABS by facilitating digital skilling and building friendships with our learners virtually. Their contributions of sharing technical skills with the learners have allowed the learners to gain interest and employment in these fields. Creating lasting change for the community and its members makes the work meaningful. In my time of volunteering in initiatives, these have included creating social impact through asset-based development work in research on dementia-friendly communities in Singapore to developing technologies for youth and seniors to engage during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The connections forged within volunteering communities are invaluable, fostering lasting relationships and a supportive network. Take the first step into the world of volunteering, and you'll discover a profound and enriching adventure awaiting you!

As a volunteer with the Singapore International Foundation (SIF)'s Enhancing Mental Healthcare Services Project, our collective mission is to provide mental health training to professionals and doctors in Cambodia. It all began with a meeting between SIF and the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), where I was employed at the time. However, my connection to Cambodia and the urge to volunteer there was sparked years earlier. Back in 2009, I volunteered in Cambodia as part of a church group. Witnessing the resilience of the Cambodian people ignited a longing to return and make a contribution. 

My expertise in mental health training aligned perfectly with SIF's mission; and even though I've moved on from IMH, I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue volunteering with SIF. Collaborating with SIF feels like working alongside an extended family. Many of my fellow volunteers are not just colleagues but also close friends from my time at IMH. This shared bond adds a layer of camaraderie. Moreover, the SIF team comprises passionate individuals who excel in coordinating the operational aspects of our volunteering missions. 

In Cambodia, I've had the privilege of working closely with local psychiatrists, medical doctors, and psychologists. Their unwavering commitment to learning and improving mental health services for their communities has further strengthened and inspired our collaborative spirit. The training sessions we've conducted were developed through collaborative discussions with our Cambodian counterparts. We never sought to impose our ideas but rather co-created solutions that catered to their specific needs. 

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to pivot the first couple of training workshops to a fully online format. This year, we finally had the opportunity to return to Cambodia for an in-person training session. The enthusiasm displayed by over 40 participants from both the public and private sectors was overwhelming. 

To anyone contemplating the idea of volunteering, I'd like to share a personal truth - it's never too late to start and it doesn't have to be an overseas adventure. Volunteering can begin right in your local community, and the rewards are immeasurable. Volunteering is a profound experience of personal growth, and it allows you to make a meaningful and positive impact on the lives of others, which, in turn, enriches your own life in ways you never thought possible.

Enable India is an organisation working for economic independence with dignity for persons with disability (PWDs). We work with training and enabling livelihoods for persons across a range of disabilities and their severities. We are known as job openers in the private sector consisting of the IT industry, Hospitality, retail trade , banking and many more. We have employed 40000 PWDs.

After my retirement from banking services, I felt that the expertise I had gained over that period of time should be used in a sector in need. I saw that the social sector was in dire need of financial management, compliances, policies and developing processes for operational transparency. Enable India was a good option as the organisation is doing wonderful work. I decided to take up full-time volunteering there. I contacted the founders and found that they were excited to onboard me. I started with heading the finance, compliances, HR, policies and processes team. At some point, I took up the responsibility of Chief Finance Officer and as a trustee on the board.

The journey with Enable India has been enriching. It has enabled me to have a level of self-actualisation. I have been able to put my innovative ideas into practice and have developed sound compliance procedures and processes. I have now brought transparency into the sector and it is appreciated all around. I have learnt to be empathetic, and thankful for what I have. I have understood the value of being in gratitude. For the last 13 years that I am volunteering with the organisation, I have felt fulfilled and joyous.

Roughly 5 % of the population of our country are persons with disabilities. They are poor people influenced by social stigma. Their contribution to GDP is not understood although they contribute to the economy like anyone else. At the point of time when I joined the organisation, we were a 16-people team. Now we are 148. We dealt with funds to the tune of Rs. 1.00 Lac and now we are dealing with a budget of Rs.25 Crores.

Society has given you a lot. Return back as much as you can before your final journey. Love the people around you, particularly the depressed, the lonely and the helpless. Realise your own strength and use this strength to enable the weak. Respect diversity - each individual is a contributor in his own way.

It is not necessary to be rich and donate money. Your time is more important. Give your time and you will receive happiness. The space where you volunteer will become your extended family and you will never feel alone.

I first came to HealthServe to see a doctor for diabetes concerns. In 2021, I was invited to join them as a volunteer under their Health Stars programme (where migrant patients are empowered to share more about their health conditions with fellow brothers).

As someone who was experienced with the process of seeing a doctor at HealthServe, I could guide other patients around information about chronic conditions. I have helped raise awareness about healthy living, such as encouraging my fellow migrant brothers to eat more vegetables. I find this meaningful and hope to encourage even more people in my community to adopt a healthy lifestyle.