8 Meaningful Events In Singapore To Give Back With Friends This Christmas

Ways to give back in the spirit of Christmas

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“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

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Christmas is the season of giving. It’s the time of year when we start to look back on what we’ve done throughout the year, only to realise our New Year’s checklist is still missing many ticks. Before calling it a year, why not redeem yourself and score those Santa points by taking part in these 8 meaningful events!

1. Santa Run For Wishes 

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Why wait for Santa when you can make the wishes of other children come true! Santa Run For Wishes is a yearly affair where people run together to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation to grant the wishes of kids facing life-threatening illnesses. Even if your definition of running involves opening the door for the delivery guy, you can still help out as part of the Pom Pom Cheer Team! No specific skills are required. 

Volunteer here! 

2. Hack for Good 

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Take community service one step further by coming up with original solutions to make the world a better place! Hack for Good, held on the 3rd and 4th of December, is the second edition of a full-day hackathon by Youth Corps Singapore, where youths get creative and brainstorm ways to solve community issues. The focus will be on eldercare and vulnerable communities, such as children, youth and family. 

And it doesn’t stop there. Ideas, once approved, are given funding and consultation by YCS, so you can embark on your projects and make them a reality. 

Note: Application details have not been released. But be updated in the mailing list here – getting an account is free!

3. A Walk To Remember 

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“Love is like the wind. I can’t see it, but I can feel it.” – Nicholas Sparks

Little acts of kindness can go a long way to touch and make even just one other person feel loved. A Walk To Remember gives you this opportunity! 

Youths play the role of a big brother or sister to children from diverse family backgrounds and bring them on an outing to discover the Singapore story. The walk will take place on 23rd November to explore iconic sights of Singapore’s history, and there are numerous volunteer opportunities from Station Master to being a Volunteer Befriender! Check them out here. 

Note: Closing date for application is 1st November 2016. 

4. Teh Tarik Session with SANA

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Santa points aren’t only for those who engage in volunteer work; you can begin doing good by first being aware of problems commonly faced by those around us.

At the Teh Tarik Session with SANA (Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association) on 18th November, hear personal stories and take part in open conversations about drug abuse and other addictions among youths in Singapore. Don’t let addiction go unnoticed like Louise Delage.

Note: Exclusive to YCS volunteers only. It’s easy to be a volunteer – find out how here. 

5. YouthReach Dance 

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Dance is powerful. It’s not just getting the perfect moves, but about letting go – of everything – and expressing yourself wholeheartedly without words. If you feel a fiery passion for dance, this role is for you. 

YouthReach, the outreach programme of Boys Town, is looking for Female Dance Instructors to teach hip hop dance and choreograph performances for girls aged between 14 and 17 years old. More than dance, you’ll play a role in building their character through their turbulent teenage years. So whether you’re a solo dancer, or part of a dance troupe looking to give back, find out more here!

Note: A minimum commitment period of 6 months is required.

6. YMCA Arts Challenge 

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We all have hidden talents – some have mad beatbox skills, others can whip up a 3-course meal in under an hour. The beneficiaries of YMCA Arts Challenge, youths who are diagnosed with Down syndrome, are no different. They possess unique gifts in dance and the performing arts. But it’s not pure genius, and they put in hard work at practice sessions every 1st, 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. 

You can help them in developing their talents on 12th November and volunteer here!

7. Lions Befrienders’ Experiential Home Visit 

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No one wants to grow old alone. That’s why we go through the swiping ritual daily, in search of that special one to accompany us through the rest of the days of our life. And even if they do find life partners, many older folks still find themselves on their own as time passes.

Be a friend who’s willing to visit and brighten up the lives of lonely seniors on a regular basis! At the Lions Befrienders’ Experiential Home Visit on 5th November, listen to these golden seniors’ regale tales of their youth and share your own experiences – they appreciate it more than you know.

8. STARSKids

Kids get wide-eyed over Christmas in excitement of all the presents to come. But beyond presents, there’s something you can give them that they need more – life values to guide them through growing up. 

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STARS (Secure, Thoughtful, Accountable, Respectable Students) Kids is all about passing it on and reinforcing values in young ones through fun activities, such as storytelling, arts and craft, and sports. If you can converse in English and Mandarin/Malay/Tamil, join as a Volunteer Coordinator or Befriender from 5th to 9th December!

Note: Closing date for application for Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Befriender is 20th November 2016 and 28th November 2016 respectively. 

‘Tis the season of giving

Christmas is a time of celebration, giving, and feeling #blessed – kudos to you if you’ve decided to do something good this season! There’ll always be lives that can be made better, and all it takes is a bit of your time. 

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One such organisation is the Youth Corps Singapore – a national institution that champions youth volunteerism. It unites the passion of those aged between 16 and 35 years old to ignite positive change and serve the community. This might just be the solution to that nagging feeling in you that wants to make a difference in the world.

Find out more about Youth Corps’ events here!

Should you decide to continue the good deeds, do take a look at this directory of organisations where you can volunteer all year round. Remember, Santa’s making a list, and checking it twice!  

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This post was brought to you by Youth Corps Singapore and the National Youth Council.