Gumtree's The Giving Tree - Doing good for The Children's Aid Society - Singapore

Although I'm always about party, booze, sex, tattoos and what not which generally the society will classify me as typically a "bad" person but despite all these vices I am one of those who believe in doing good for society.

Like years ago I joined the world largest service Organization - Lion's Club. Or like being part of hair for hope and many other events.

So when Gumtree approached me to be part of the "Giving Tree" event, I said yes right away. I thought it's a different kinda event for a change. Not one of those typical party + food and drinks engagement. I'm giving a thumbs up to Gumtree for engaging bloggers plus the whole CSR thing.

The Children's Aid Society - That's where we went!

Children’s Aid Society is registered under the Societies Act and manages the Melrose Home. An Executive Committee is elected from among its members and is the governing body for the Home.

Melrose Home provides a supportive environment for children between the ages of 3 to 18 years old, a "home away from home" for children and teenagers who need care and protection in a residential setting. These are children whose parents or family members are unable to provide care or to supervise them. Children of other ages are admitted under special circumstances as well depending on their needs.  

When I said "we" I meant "we"! I wasn't the only blogger for that day. Here are some of the rest of the volunteers for the day! We weren't only there to say hi, take picture or do handshakes. That's for politicians, as for bloggers like us we were there to get our hands dirty and have some fun at the same time!

Activities - 

That's Julian, the host for the day. He's one of the guys I met years ago during Twestival too. A man with a good heart.

That's me telling the kids some random stories as we painted our flower pots. Some of the kids are really talented to be honest!

Look at some of the work by the kids!

Erm, nope. I weren't scolding the kids but I was motivating them about sportsmanship and winning it! Yes, we had some fun during the tele-match games!

Trust me.. Not my best picture...

I thought this picture was really meaningful.

The kids planted seed into the pot when the paint dried. I thought this activity was pretty meaningful in it's own way. Planting something in a pot they created themselves. A little lesson about responsibility with a plant. The feeling of accomplishing something with their own hands.

Gumtree - 

As much as I do not wish to make this post like an advertisement but I must give this shout out to Gumtree. On top of having fun with the kids we were all given a certain amount of budget to get a gift or two for the kids. We were given a list of "to-buys" and I was pretty impressed by the Gumtree buying experience. It was really pretty easy. You do not even need to create an account if you are just buying and not selling.

 Look at the things we all bought for the kids? From toys to books, toys, cabinet and even some kitchen wares! They do have everything!

My Takeaway - 

Nope, not the food but as in lesson learnt. To be honest, despite saying that I'm always about giving back and doing my part for the society, I've never been able to handle voluntary work well. I don't mean doing it but emotionally.

My emotions get very heavy each time I look at people who needed more help. The feeling of helplessness never fails to eat me up. I might be a big guy and always looking all jolly but it's never easy to see guys who needed help and knowing that there's only so much I can help as an individual.

Regardless children, elder or the special needs. What did they do to deserve a life like theirs? How can we make it better? How can we help them? By giving them a good time? Buying them somethings? Is that a solution in long run? Yet on the other hand we do know that we can't be holding their hands forever isn't it? If not this, what else?

I wish everybody can do your part for all those who need it. I am no ambassador of doing good but these are some of the rules I always remind myself. (I say reminder, I am guilty of not practicing but we need to constantly remind ourselves because some of these things just don't come natural for people, in case, myself.)

1. Do not look down or discriminate anyone. Make them feel like part of the society regardless of what their issues are.

2. Everyone should be given fair chance in life as much as possible. Some start their life with a better family background and some are less fortunate and we can't change that but we change what we can which is giving them equal chance.

3. Get your hands dirty to really help instead of just donating money. Sometimes money can't solve all problems in life.

4. If you really can't do point no.3, yes, please donate your money. We need that too. Cause, money is often one of the biggest problem in life for many.

5. Something that I find it very hard to do, patience. They (anyone with special need, not just specific homes) need more time, attention and patience from us and that is true. And it is not going to be easy but we do our best. Everyone has a skill and something they are good at, always look out for their strength and help to develop them or at least make them aware that they are good at something. And all these needs real patience.

I also did a little sound bite interview with the media guys. I thought these pic looks pretty cool.

And behind the scene? I mean behind the banner?

Our cute PR Xiao Mei Irene doing her part to support the event... Literally. LOL.

Once again, thanks Gumtree and Children's Aid Society for giving me this opportunity to be part of something so meaningful.

Mr.Smith, eh... HELP LAH...