Strengthening the spirit of volunteerism

Mr Lim Boon Heng, Patron of HCA Hospice Care,

Dr Tan Poh Kiang, President,

Ms Angeline Wee, CEO,

Ladies and gentlemen;

1. A very good evening! It gives me great pleasure to join you tonight to honour the volunteers of HCA Hospice Care.

Dedicated volunteers at HCA Hospice Care

2. Before I continue, I'd like to thank you for the opportunity to prepare lunch for the residents at Jln Tan Tock Seng Day Care Centre last month. During my visit, I met many volunteers who shared heart-warming stories of how they have uplifted lives and strengthened spirits of the beneficiaries. Many of them have been volunteering regularly for several years.

3. Take the example of Mr Anson Ng, who has been volunteering for over seven years. A volunteer team leader, Anson wakes up before 5am to buy ingredients at the market to prepare lunches for the beneficiaries. He is joined by other volunteers, including Mr Aldous Ng and Ms Adeline Nge, to cook and prepare meals for the residents of the home. Despite their full-time jobs and busy schedules, these volunteers continue to dedicate time every week not only to bring food, but more importantly, to bring smiles and joy to the beneficiaries. Due to the love and care provided by HCA Hospice Care and the volunteers, many of the beneficiaries have gone on to live much longer than their initial prognosis. Hence, I am deeply honoured to be a part of today's event to celebrate the HCA Hospice Care volunteers. Thank you very much for your service!

Importance of volunteerism and SG Cares

4. At this point, I'd like to ask a question - why is it important for Singaporeans to volunteer and engage in service to one and another. To me, the answer goes beyond finding a purpose and personal meaning or a cause to support. A strong spirit of volunteerism is actually a hallmark of success for a nation. We may be used to thinking of success in terms of GDP numbers. But a nation progresses only when we do so as a people, with no one left behind. Hence, it is more important for Singapore to nurture a culture of care and contribution. When we look out for one another, in good times and bad, we will also have a resilient and strong nation.

5. I am glad that the spirit of service in Singapore has grown over the years, with the volunteerism rate rising from 9% in 2000 to 35% in 2016, according to surveys conducted by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre.

6. All of us can play a part in caring for one another. This is also a reason why SG Cares, a nationwide movement, was launched to rally citizens and residents to contribute actively. SG Cares will also support and empower Singaporeans to take ownership of their communities, building a nation where caring becomes part of our DNA. 

7. Community organisations like HCA Hospice Care play an important role in nurturing volunteers as pillars of a strong community and exemplifying the SG Cares movement. The success of HCA Hospice Care in attracting and retaining volunteers speaks volumes of the efforts you have taken to create meaningful volunteering opportunities, and make a positive difference to the lives of your beneficiaries.

Conclusion

8. Once again, I'd like to thank HCA Hospice Care for organising this event, as well as the volunteers for your dedication and service. Every one of you is an inspiration to fellow Singaporeans. I hope you will continue your good work, and encourage your family members, friends and colleagues to join you in service of others. Together, let us make Singapore a more caring and inclusive home.

9. I wish everyone an enjoyable night ahead. Thank you.