2024 Singapore Volunteer Festival: 5 Highlights in the Heartland

Volunteering plays a crucial role in strengthening communities and creating a more inclusive society. This July, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) is hosting the inaugural Singapore Volunteer Festival, or VFest, as part of the Year of Celebrating Volunteers. The festival, held over four weekends across various heartland locations, will spotlight different volunteering themes tailored to the needs of local communities.

With activities ranging from supporting persons with disabilities to aiding youth-at-risk, VFest promises to engage and inspire Singaporeans to contribute to their communities. Each weekend will focus on a specific theme, such as enabling persons with disabilities, strengthening families, helping low-income families, and supporting youth-at-risk. By highlighting these diverse causes, VFest aims to showcase the importance of volunteerism and encourage more individuals to get involved.

Enabling Persons with Disabilities at Our Tampines Hub

Event Overview

Kicking off the festival on the weekend of July 6 and 7, Our Tampines Hub will focus on enabling persons with disabilities. The event will feature booths from social service agencies offering information on volunteering opportunities, alongside interactive activities designed to foster a better understanding of disability issues. Attendees can expect to participate in workshops, sports events, and arts and crafts sessions, all aimed at promoting inclusivity and awareness.

Volunteer Stories

One notable volunteer at this event is Helen Lu, a dedicated individual who has been volunteering with the Enabling Services Hub at Tampines West Community Club since its inception in August 2023. Helen helps facilitate various activities, including cooking classes, sports events, and social outings, providing much-needed community support for people with disabilities and their caregivers. Her journey into volunteering began when she sought meaningful engagement outside her home while caring for her mother with dementia. Through her volunteer work, Helen not only finds personal fulfilment but also positively impacts the lives of those she supports.

Strengthening Families at Toa Payoh Hub

Event Overview

The second weekend, July 13 and 14, will see VFest moving to Toa Payoh Hub, with a focus on strengthening families. This segment of the festival will offer a range of family-centric activities, such as parenting workshops, financial planning sessions, and recreational activities designed to foster family bonds. Various social service agencies will be on hand to provide information on family support services and volunteering opportunities tailored to family well-being.

Volunteer Stories

Ms Aziah Salim’s story exemplifies the impact of dedicated volunteering in family support. Starting as a volunteer probation officer out of curiosity, she has spent 15 years helping young offenders complete their probation and reintegrate into society. Ms Aziah’s commitment extends beyond her probation duties; she also volunteers with the Child Protective Service, building trust with vulnerable children and their families. Her perseverance and compassion serve as a testament to the profound difference dedicated volunteers can make in strengthening family units.

Helping Low-Income Families at Kampung Admiralty

Event Overview

On the weekend of July 20 and 21, Kampung Admiralty will host events focused on helping low-income families. This theme will bring together social service agencies and volunteers to provide essential resources and support. Activities will include job fairs, financial literacy workshops, and free health screenings, all aimed at empowering low-income families and helping them achieve greater stability and self-sufficiency.

Volunteer Stories

Volunteers at Kampung Admiralty are instrumental in providing support and resources to families in need. Their efforts include distributing food parcels, offering mentorship, and providing guidance on accessing social services. These volunteers’ stories highlight the festival’s broader impact, showcasing how collective efforts can uplift communities and provide essential support to those facing financial challenges.

Supporting Youth-at-Risk at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall

Event Overview

The final weekend of VFest, July 27 and 28, will focus on supporting youth-at-risk at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall. This event will feature outreach programmes, mentorship opportunities, and recreational activities designed to engage and support vulnerable youth. Social service agencies will present their initiatives, encouraging the community to get involved and make a positive impact on young lives.

Volunteer Stories

Volunteers working with youth-at-risk play a critical role in offering guidance and support. Their involvement ranges from mentoring to organising educational and recreational activities that provide safe spaces for youth. These volunteers’ stories underscore the importance of community involvement in addressing the challenges faced by young people and helping them build brighter futures.

Impact of the Volunteer Festival

Increased Volunteer Hours

The Singapore Volunteer Festival is not just about celebrating volunteerism but also about fostering a sustained commitment to community service. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in volunteer engagement, with a 20 per cent rise in total volunteering hours. This growth is a testament to the concerted efforts of social service agencies and community groups in promoting volunteerism.

Volunteer Management Processes

A key factor in this increased engagement is the implementation of effective volunteer management processes. Close to eight in 10 social service agencies have established systems to manage volunteers, and about seven in 10 have dedicated volunteer managers. Additionally, the establishment of 24 SG Cares Volunteer Centres across Singapore has been pivotal in coordinating volunteer efforts and ensuring that volunteers are matched with suitable opportunities.

The MSFCare Network also plays a crucial role in this ecosystem, coordinating family-centric programmes and connecting volunteers with one another. These networks and processes not only enhance the efficiency and impact of volunteer efforts but also ensure that volunteers receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Conclusion

The 2024 Singapore Volunteer Festival is a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism and a call to action for all Singaporeans to get involved in their communities. By highlighting different themes each weekend, VFest provides numerous opportunities for individuals to contribute to causes they care about. Whether it’s supporting persons with disabilities, strengthening families, helping low-income families, or aiding youth-at-risk, there is something for everyone to participate in, making it a truly inclusive event.

As we celebrate the Year of Celebrating Volunteers, let’s take this opportunity to make a difference in our heartlands and create a more inclusive and supportive society. The festival not only showcases the various ways to volunteer but also emphasises the importance of sustained community engagement. Get involved today and be part of the change, helping to build a stronger and more connected Singapore.