Something Different, Something Special

Sep 05, 2019   |   Nurul Aini

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Darren Quek, currently aged 19, has been volunteering with Heartware Network since 2017 under the National Day Parade Hospitality Management as a General Volunteer.

Citing his motivation to volunteer as “to experience something different and special, as well as to give back to the community”, Darren has since expanded beyond his involvement in the annual Heartware – National Day Parade Hospitality Management to actively volunteer under the banner of President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive 2019. To date, he has participated in events such as Istana Open House – Chinese New Year 2019, and World Water Day 2019.

Istana Open House – Chinese New Year 2019 is the very first opening of the official residence and office of the President of Singapore for the year. Filled with Chinese New Year decorations, our volunteers were part of the action by managing booths meant for children activities and even providing ushering services.

On the other hand, the World Water Day 2019 event which occurred at Marina Barrage, had volunteers accompanying elderly from AMKFSC to visit and have fun at the various booths, allowing them the chance to learn more about the importance of water conservation and pledged their support in reducing the wastage of water.

We approached him on his thoughts on these fun and meaningful experiences with President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive 2019.

Let’s learn Chinese Culture together! Darren (1st from the right) listening intently as a member of the public shared on the significance of the colour red during Istana Open House – Chinese New Year 2019.

 

How was your volunteering experience for Istana Open House – Chinese New Year 2019?

The event was tiring, but fun. Having interacted with tourists, the Istana Open House – Chinese New Year 2019 gave me the opportunity to share my knowledge on the Singaporean way of celebrating Chinese New Year.

When I found out through interactions with tourists from China, Japan and Malaysia how different the customs were, I was really surprised! I never knew that in China, they would make dumplings and glutinous rice balls during Chinese New Year, or how in Japan, family members will try to stay up as late as they can into the night, as staying awake longer will bless your parents with longevity.

Some Googling was required for me to elaborate on our traditions, so it was a fantastic learning experience for both me and the visitors. Closer interactions with members of the public was also a pulling factor to encourage visitors to donate and make a difference!

 

Did you face any difficulties as a volunteer for Istana Open House – Chinese New Year 2019?

Definitely. One of the bigger challenges, surprisingly, was language. I experienced some trouble in understanding a higher level of Chinese language that some visitors spoke, and lacked confidence in responding back to them as well. To those who did not speak Chinese, it was perplexing to explain what the Chinese words meant. I should have worked harder for Chinese lessons back in school, haha!

 

“Uncle, do you want to try that game?” Deep in thought, Darren considered the best way to share the fun of World Water Day to with his tagged senior beneficiary from AMKFSC.

 

What about your volunteering experience for World Water Day 2019?

During the World Water Day 2019, I accompanied senior beneficiaries, which was something that was not usually in my books.  We walked around the booths and explored Marina Barrage together.

The elderly couple I was tagged to had little interest in the booths and games, and I struggled to keep them enthusiastic for the activities. It seemed that they had other ideas in mind, as we had a long chat instead, where they shared with me the values and hardship of growing up in kampongs where clean water wasn’t always readily available.

It wasn’t a scene for which I had envisioned, but it was even better as I had learnt a lot from them. This experience, nevertheless, taught me to be more inclusive in my planning of events in future, to suit the taste of different people and understand their needs.

 

Tell us, what are your biggest takeaways during the events?

 Being able to share what I know and learn new things from the people I meet through these events. There are many things in the world waiting to be discovered, and I will never know or experience them until I take a step out.

 

How has volunteering with Heartware helped you in any way?

 

It allowed me to better experience what it means to be a Singaporean. Looking at the different beneficiaries and people from all around has taught me to be grateful for what I have, and for the nation I’m serving.

Darren, in his latest volunteering adventure at Art from the Heart @ Istana Open House showing the public how the Merlion painting is done.

 

Do you have a message that you wish to share to other volunteers or beneficiaries that you have served?

For the volunteers-to-be, make the first step happen; you won’t regret it! For other volunteers who are already on the roll, call your friends! To the beneficiaries, thank you for your advice and sharing of experiences. You have taught me about myself and the world around me.