Giving back to society

The last 3 Saturdays have been an enriching and exhilirating experience. Being able to give back to society reminds me of the scout promise of helping others. I joined the Keat Hong Tigers in the Ramadan food donation drive, porridge distribution to residents and distribution of necessities to those who require them.

Ramadan Food Donation Drive

Collection Day

I wasn't physically present during the collection exercise as I had English tuition. In order not to miss out on this activity, I shared of this initiative with my neighbours, friends and family and requested my parents help to post on social media so that I can collect the items ahead of the donation drive. Many of my friends, families was very willing to help and we collected a significant number of items. I provided guidelines on what type of food that we are collecting to ensure that it is in alignment with the food drive. I checked the expiry dates and packed them in a large blue bag and asked my daddy to help send the items down to Keat Hong CC on collection day. It is a great feeling to be able to help others and this also prevent any food wastage. This is good as we are working towards zero hunger and this would ensure everyone would have food on their tables and not go hungry.

Packing Day

Last Saturday was packing day, I managed to rush down from tuition to participate in this event. When I arrived, the other cubs were forming a human chain to move the white bags of items into another room. This is great as we can quickly move the bags as a team. I was glad I managed to arrive in time to help pack the blue bags. We went round the room to put different items in the bag. We had to be very careful to ensure that we don't dent any of the canned food. Teamwork makes things completed quickly. Heavier items at the bottom and lighter items on top.

Distribution day

Today is distribution day. We had MP Zhul and West Area Commisioner Lam graced the event. We are divided into 7 teams. A cub and a scout form a team and will distribute to multiple houses. I was excited to help distribute the items. We had 7 houses to get to. First, I introduced myself to my team mate, S and showed him to our car before loading all the items. It fits our car boot nicely! Daddy will drive us, mummy will check the recipient's addresss, scouter S will carry the blue bag and I will carry the eggs and white bag. The first house we went, we had to wait very long, seems the doorbell was not working and mummy had to call the recipient. The auntie was apologetic as she was not home and asked her daughter to open the door. The recipients were nice and very thankful to us for delivering the items. Some of the recipients do not understand English so we are lucky our team can converse in Malay, Mandarin and Tamil and had some great conversation with them. Through conversing with them, I realised that some elderly live alone and these food items can help them ease their burden.

Porridge Distribution

Last week, after packing the donated items, we helped out with porridge distribution to the residents. This is a first time experience for me. When the porridge arrived, both my team mate, Izz and I had to repack the porridge. We pack 2 bowls of porridge and 2 spoons in each plastic bag and arranged them neatly on the table. It was hard work as there was only 4 cubs helping out with the porridge and dates distribution but it was fulfilling when we distributed out the porridge. When we distribute the porridge we welcome everyone of different races, I had the opportunity to share about dates to some non-malay residents and they said they would be eager to try the dates. We also distributed porridge and dates to construction workers working nearby, they welcomed us with open arms.

Helping others gave me a sense of fulfillment and wish that we have more opportunities like this. I learn that not everyone is as fortunate as us, others may need help even with basic need like rice or eggs. Be thankful for what we have and be aware of others who may need a helping hand.