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Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth
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Giving back through volunteerism

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4 March 2017

Speech by Ms Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Trade and Industry at the PERTAPIS Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony

Mr Hussaini Abdullah, President of PERTAPIS

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

Introduction

  1. A very good afternoon to all of you. I am pleased to join you on this very special occasion to pay tribute to the PERTAPIS volunteers.

  2. Formed in 1969, PERTAPIS runs several welfare homes, and provides social support and educational services for families in need. It plays an important role in addressing social problems that we see in the community. Over the years, PERTAPIS has been able to broaden their outreach, and make a difference to the community through the support of about 300 volunteers, many of whom are here with us today. Thank you very much for your contribution!

Impact of volunteerism

  1. Volunteering has a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others.When we serve, we meet people in circumstances different from our own. We develop greater empathy, and a stronger sense of duty and responsibility for our fellow citizens. This makes us a stronger, and more inclusive community.

Recognising PERTAPIS volunteers

  1. One of the many dedicated volunteers at PERTAPIS is 56-year-old Ms Monica Abdullah. Monica has volunteered with PERTAPIS Children’s Home for the past 12 years. She enjoys being with the children, and believes in imparting values such as respect, kindness and filial piety to the next generation. Monica also sponsors dry food rations to the Home, and helps to serve food to the children. Her kindness and care have made a difference in the lives of the children. 

  2. About 1 in 3 volunteers at PERTAPIS are below 35 years of age. This is a commendable effort by PERTAPIS in engaging youths to give back to the community. Two of the youth volunteers are Siti Mardhiah and Sumaiyah, who are 27 and 28 years old respectively. They have been helping beneficiaries at the PERTAPIS Centre for Women and Girls for over two years. I hope the PERTAPIS youth volunteers will encourage their more of their peers to join them, and spread the spirit of volunteerism.

  3. It is heartening to note that beneficiaries from PERTAPIS’ programmes are also doing their part to pay it forward. The Family Support Group is made up of former residents of PERTAPIS Halfway House, some of whom have been volunteering for more than 15 years. Their support goes a long way in helping the current residents reintegrate into society.

Conclusion

  1. These stories show us that we can all do our part for the community. There are no barriers to volunteerism and helping others. New platforms such theGiving.SG portal and the SG Cares Movement provide us with the channels to give more of our time and our talent. All we need is a big heart to serve.

  2. To all our PERTAPIS volunteers, I want to thank you once again for contributing your time and effort to make a difference to others. All the effort that you have put in and all the heart that you have given goes a long way towards our shared goals, of building a more caring and inclusive society. Let us continue to work together and create a better Singapore for all.

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