The Friends of South East initiative - launched yesterday (Aug 20) - seeks to build a network of volunteers and kindness ambassadors to address residents’ needs beyond financial concerns.
The South East Community Development Council (CDC) plans to recruit about 1,500 volunteers by August 2027 for various programmes. These include the Support a Block @ South East initiative, under which volunteers will visit seniors living in rental flats, help them buy groceries, or accompany them to their personal appointments.
Speaking at the launch event, South East District Mayor Dinesh Vasu Dash said the scheme complements existing campaigns by the council to uplift different segments of the community.
The programme is part of the South East CDC’s year-long campaign, A Journey Of Kindness, which encourages people to care for one another and to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.
Mr Dinesh explained that the purpose “is really to uplift different segments of our community ... particularly, those who may be vulnerable, those who may be at risk, those who may need more support than others.”
Businesses and community organisations can also provide resources, sponsorships or employee volunteers.
Volunteer Panneer Selvam, 50, helps to organise his company’s annual walk to raise funds for communities in need.
Apart from participating in the Walk For Health@South East event tomorrow (Aug 22), The EY Asia East People Advisory Services Tax Leader said the audit firm is also organising its own campaign walk in September.
“It started with Walk for Health and over the years, EY has helped to raise close to S$300,000 to support community partners and beneficiaries in the South East District,” he added.
The annual EY walk is part of the Walk for Health @ South East campaign, where more than 160 organisations will organise their own walks at their workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods.
With a goal of 200,000km, every kilometre walked will raise S$1 towards a S$200,000 fund, providing 2,000 beneficiaries with supermarket vouchers, said Mr. Dinesh.
To recruit volunteers for the Friends of South East scheme, South East CDC is tapping its existing programmes and corporate partners.
The network of volunteers will also support other existing initiatives. These include the Sports, Opportunities and Academic Resources programme for at-risk youth, which supports secondary school students from disadvantaged backgrounds through sports, tuition and coaching.
