Be Kind And Volunteer

If you’ve always wanted to give back to society but don’t know how, here are some places to start.

- Balvinder Sandhu

There are many ways to offer a helping hand to those in need.

While cash donations are often welcomed, a human touch can be priceless. One way is by volunteering with the Community Services Club at SAFRA, which would allow you to impact the lives of the less fortunate through various activities such as visits and outdoor excursions.

By participating in SAFRA’s annual Swim for Hope each October, you can help raise awareness and funds for beneficiaries. At the same time, you promote the importance of an active lifestyle by swimming laps in the pool with friends and family.

So if you’ve always wanted to help others but do not know how, here are more ways to get started.

CARE FOR ANIMALS

It’s not just humans who need love and concern.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Singapore (www. spca.org.sg) welcomes volunteers to help with anything from cleaning animal shelters to dog-walking. You can also walk or groom dogs with Action for Singapore Dogs (asdsingapore.com), or even learn how to foster one.

Meanwhile, cat lovers can play with felines and keep their living spaces clean by volunteering with the Love Kuching Project (www. lovekuchingproject.org).

If you’re interested in broader animal welfare issues, you can approach the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society – better known as ACRES (acres.org. sg) – to help with efforts such as fundraising or caring for animals brought in through their wildlife rescue missions.

BEFRIEND THE ELDERLY

You can really make a difference in the lives of the elderly by interacting with them.