The Internal Relations (IR) committee is one of the committees of Welfare Services Club. They organise large-scale charity and bonding events for the entire NTU Welfare Services Club and one of IR’s main events is Community Service Day (CSD). This year unlike previous years, IR committee organised a carnival at Boon Lay Community Centre for their beneficiaries of lower-income families. This CSD Carnival focused on giving back to the community and providing a fun and enriching experience for lower-income families through a day-carnival with booths promoting life hacks and games. OVE was extremely glad to have helped out for this meaningful event, putting a smile on the beneficiaries' faces while receiving a heartwarming and rewarding experience in return through interactions with the beneficiaries!
As volunteers, our cohesive effort is required to make the event a success and thus many friendships were forged in the process. The team was allocated to different booths, such as helping out in the carnival booths, food packing and external food pack distribution. I was allocated to the food packers team. While preparing the food rations, a human chain was formed where we passed boxes of food down a line of volunteers, which sparked a series of conversations and laughter. It was refreshing and fun as I get to meet many new friends who share the same passion and interests. Most of us came from different backgrounds as well and there would not be many chances of interaction if not for this event. The packing of food rations also proceeded very smoothly as the job roles were communicated effectively and there was active teamwork between everyone. Thereafter, we went door-to-door distributing the food rations and engaged in conversations with the beneficiaries. Being able to bring a smile to their faces and proudly introduce ourselves as “volunteers of NTU” was one of the best part of this carnival. It was heartening to see them thanking us profusely and even offering us drinks. It also made us realize how our small effort can benefit others greatly and how important it is to remember to give back to the community from time to time.
Overall, it was a day filled with meaningful interactions with the beneficiaries, as well as enhancing the volunteering spirit and forging friendships. We are grateful for this opportunity that allowed us to make a difference in the people's lives and gain a valuable experience as well!
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