New scheme taps human connection to offer South East residents wider support
The Friends of South East is part of the South East CDC’s year-long campaign, A Journey of Kindness.
A new initiative, Friends of South East, is set to offer residents in the South East District of Singapore additional support, focusing on companionship, mentorship, and practical help beyond financial needs. Launched on August 20, the Friends of South East scheme aims to recruit around 1,500 volunteers by 2027 to carry out various programs, such as visiting seniors, helping them with groceries, and accompanying them to appointments.
South East Community Development Council (CDC) hopes this initiative will address emotional, social, and practical needs that don't necessarily require formal intervention, enhancing residents' overall quality of life.
South East District Mayor Dinesh Vasu Dash emphasized during the launch event that the scheme complements existing campaigns by the council, aiming to create a "district of kindness" that supports seniors and those facing difficulties. The scheme is part of the South East CDC's year-long "A Journey Of Kindness" campaign, encouraging people to care for one another and contribute in meaningful ways. Businesses and community organizations can also provide resources, sponsorships, or employee volunteers to support the cause.
Volunteer Panneer Palaniandy, a 50-year-old employee at audit firm EY, highlighted how simple acts like walking can significantly impact people's lives. The annual EY walk, part of the Walk for Health @ South East campaign, aims to raise $200,000 by encouraging over 160 organizations to organize walks, with each kilometer walked contributing $1. The programme will benefit 2,000 beneficiaries with supermarket vouchers.
The Friends of South East initiative also supports other community programs, like the Sports, Opportunities, and Academic Resources (SOAR) for at-risk youth. This program provides secondary school students from disadvantaged backgrounds with sports, tuition, and coaching. Around 25 students, including 13-year-old Azraf Rayyan Risdian and 14-year-old Raul Rhaizat, receive support through the initiatives.
They appreciate the extra help, particularly in completing school assignments when they lack a conducive environment or support at home. South East District Mayor Daryl Koh expressed heartwarming gratitude for the community's support, stating that the network of care extends beyond parents and teachers. Retired volunteer Priscilla Low, 72, finds volunteering to be a valuable way to make friends and build a community, though she now struggles with joint pain and cycles to raise funds for the community on an ad hoc basis.
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