To give and to take.

Backdated to a few decades, volunteerism and philanthropy is evident among this immigrant- society. Does names like Lee Kong Chein, Tan Kim Seng sounds familiar to you? For the past 15 years, I have noticed there is a constant drive to promote and educate our folks on volunteerism and philanthropy. Overseas or Local projects lead by private organizations, missionaries popped like mushrooms over these years.

Building or retrofitting some village or schools in remote places; conserving environment; cultural exchange; medical assistance; helping out in children’s and old folks’ home; promoting sports etc are just some of the typical missions that are carried out in these projects. In recent years, Schools and private institutions have even started to organize short trips and projects for the teachers and students during school vacation. Such efforts in promoting and instilling volunteerism and philanthropy are very commendable. Truly.

The result of such efforts is evident in recent unfortunate incidents that shocked Asia. Some of our folks volunteer while others quietly move mountains of food, medicine and used clothing through Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia…etc. Others even travel to some of these remote places to extend their assistance to the general hygiene and health of the young and frail.

Nevertheless, besides getting yourself physically challenged and dirty, there is always another preferred way of contributing to charity. Singaporeans are pretty well known among ASEAN for their generosity in responding to local charity. Stop….wait…. Don’t start yelling. “of course lar… got lucky law (singlish pronunciation of “draw”) …got car and condominium. Some more….. can see some TCS performing flying here and there doing kancheong stunts……..u know?” so Singapore….

I think these charity drives and shows are here to stay for at least another decent decade before they seriously run out of ideas on how to create more “kancheong” stunts. For whatever lame reasons, this way of getting the general public to donate generously in a short period of time has somewhat became part of a singaporean signature.

Though, it seem that this is one the many efficient ways to reach out to your wallet, I am definitely not a fan of such means. Getting my hands dirtied and participates directly remains my volunteering-signature.