nEbO’s W.I.S.H. – More Youth Volunteers Make a Difference Through Fun and Healthy Activities

nEbO's Ways In Sharing Happiness (W.I.S.H.) 2016 is back once again this year! Since its launch seven years ago, nEbO's W.I.S.H. was initiated by youth leaders in nEbO’s Care community and is one of the most popular activity to get more youths to give back to the community through volunteerism. The line-up of activities through the month of January is themed “Health and Wellness” so as to raise awareness and  improve the overall health and well-being of the less fortunate. 

From bazaars and fitness workout sessions, to fun and games, this year nEbO's W.I.S.H. provided new, fun and healthy volunteering opportunities. We also saw an increased participation of 25% more youth volunteers as compared to last year.

“We have more than 500 youth volunteers taking part in this year nEbO's W.I.S.H. activities. Besides the increase in the number of the youth volunteers, I am really heartened and inspired by the commitment and dedication of  our youth leaders. They gave up their time to contribute positively back to society and they have in turn, through their dedication, inspired many of their friends and peers to do the same. Our nEbO youths are indeed leading the way in volunteerism as nEbO serves as many as 450 beneficiaries every year," said Mr Lim Eng Lee, NTUC, Alignment Director (nEbO).

The flurry of activities started on 2 January with ‘Teatime Calligraphy’ workshops for the elderly. There were a total of 100 participants from beneficiaries such as Kheng Chiu Loke Tin Kee Home, Shan You Counselling Centre and Thye Hua Kwan Moral Society. They learnt the origins and health benefits of Chinese tea and also penned down their well-wishes for the Chinese New Year on chun lians. 

“It was very heartening to see the elderly enjoying themselves during the activities. Their laughter and smiles meant that our efforts were worthwhile. To me, being a volunteer is simply about putting the needs of others above mine and lending a helping hand wherever possible. Volunteering has also given me a greater appreciation for what I have,” said Mr Henry Teo, youth chairperson of the organising committee of Teatime Calligraphy. 

The highlight of nEbO’s W.I.S.H. this year is Paint a New Hope, where youth volunteers will visit various needy households this Saturday (23 January) to help the families refurbish their walls and assist them with some basic cleaning. While tidying up and painting, youth volunteers can work out a healthy sweat and at the same time, enjoy seeing the transformation of these households which signifies a fresh start for these families. This year’s Paint a New Hope will be headed by nEbO youth leaders from Temasek Polytechnic.

Through community service events and activities like nEbO's W.I.S.H., nEbO Care community hopes to get more youths to be Life-Ready. The Care community will continue to engage youths to instill a sense of social responsibility and provide them with opportunities to make a positive difference to society.