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The Istana
Speeches

Remarks by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s International Volunteer Day Event

7 December 2023

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Ladies and gentlemen,

  1.              A big thank you to our volunteers gathered here today. This is the first time we are celebrating International Volunteer Day as part of SG Cares Giving Week, a week when we reflect on the spirit of giving.

  2.              Each of you are motivated by wanting to do good for others.

  3.              Each of us also know that as we give to others, and walk side by side with others, we become better people ourselves.

  4.             And each of us have, through our varied experiences in life, probably benefited from others more than we realise, and so too have the duty and privilege of giving and sharing our time with others.

  5.              It means much to others, and to ourselves.

  6.             Many of the volunteers here today understand this intimately. You have sustained your volunteerism over time, some for a decade or longer. And some of you have in fact been volunteers across different stages of your lives.

  7.             If I may give examples of that spirit of volunteerism that is in all of you who are here today:

    1.       Mdm Sarinah Binti Anang started her journey as a beneficiary. She was touched by the help she received. And she now volunteers her time to a communal kitchen and community garden, together with her daughter Ms Hazliah Binte Hamid.

    2.       Ms Chris Tan, herself visually impaired, is passionate about making sports inclusive for all. She founded the non-profit Sound Ball, which brings tennis to the visually impaired. It is a truly wonderful game.

    3.       Mr Ng Boon Teck, who has for almost 30 years supported underprivileged children, including those from single parent households, through weekly programmes.

    4.      And Ms Megan Fernandes, a younger Singapore resident who spends time volunteering in a whole range of causes. Her passion lies in befriending and empathising with individuals.

  8.              Each of you here today are, in your own ways, expressing this same spirit. 

  9.              We should never forget that individuals who care do make a difference. And together, we make a better society.

Conclusion

  1.         I would like to thank the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), and the SG Cares Office for their efforts in in bringing volunteers from various sectors together for today’s event.

  2.     May we continue to spread the spirit: of sharing our time and friendship with our fellow citizens, and making a better society.

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