Our Intern Writes #6

Volunteers preparing bags of food items for distribution. 

When I first started my internship at Prison Fellowship Singapore (PFS), I decided to make full use of my time here to experience as many activities and initiatives this non-profit had to offer. This led me to Thursday Connect Group, various Care Club events, a conference of over 400 registrants, among others. In my final 2 weeks of the internship, I thought it would be good if I could take part in one more event. This was the monthly distribution of groceries to underprivileged households, in collaboration with 好人好事 Hao Ren Hao Shi (HRHS).

In the past, the packing of the food items took place at 1 Dorset Road where our office was located. 

HRHS is a non-profit organisation fully run by volunteers, and was established to provide essential supplies for needy households across Singapore. They engage people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in their monthly distributions, promoting the spirit of volunteerism. The partnership between PFS and HRHS stems from the complementary nature of the goals of both organisations. This collaboration offers PFS the chance to involve our beneficiaries and their families in contributing to and benefiting society as a whole.

It was an incredible sight. The moment I reached the distribution point, there were already hundreds of volunteers involved in packing, moving and delivering the countless bags of essential items, from canned food to sandwich spreads to even fresh vegetables. I have never seen such a large yet organised crowd in an HDB void deck, all there for the sole purpose of supporting the underprivileged of our society. It was also slightly overwhelming while I looked around frantically for a familiar face, unsure of where I should be going or what I should be doing.

Volunteers' cars will be loaded up with a few sets of groceries that will be delivered to different households all around Singapore.

After joining the staff of PFS in arranging the bags and packing them into cars for delivery, I followed them to deliver the last of the bags to the various homes. We delivered fresh groceries such as eggs and vegetables along with other daily necessities to eight homes. Each household greeted us with warmth and gratitude. One home in particular left a strong impression on me. It belonged to a PFS beneficiary who, despite being severely handicapped with limited mobility in his left leg and arm, was determined to offer us beverages to express his appreciation. It was inspiring to see such a display of hospitality despite the very significant challenge he was facing.

At this juncture, I could go on to tell you about how derelict the living conditions of many of these households were, and how grateful and privileged I am to be where I am today. While this is true, and I am indeed thankful for what I am blessed with, I feel it has been emphasised enough in mainstream media and education. We all know we should be thankful for what we have, but thankfulness alone does nothing for the underprivileged – the ones who evoke thankfulness in us for our privilege. 

Instead of telling you how thankful I am, I should tell you how easy it was to make a difference. Volunteerism is more flexible than what many think, and does not necessarily require one to commit to a cause for hours a week. There are many initiatives in Singapore which, like HRHS which occurs once a month, require minimal commitment of time. At PFS, volunteer roles range from weekly guidance for inmates to assisting in ad hoc events for beneficiaries and their families. 

“We all know we should be thankful for what we have, but thankfulness alone does nothing for the underprivileged – the ones who evoke thankfulness in us for our privilege. Instead of telling you how thankful I am, I should tell you how easy it was to make a difference.”

Even small, occasional contributions can amount to significant change in the lives of those we support and serve, and such contributions culminate to a loving community that acts as a testament to God’s love to those who have yet to know him.