Three charities join forces to celebrate International Volunteer Day

SINGAPORE: Three charities came together for the first time on Saturday to celebrate International Volunteer Day.

They are the Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities, Lions Befrienders Service Association and YMCA of Singapore.

Acting Culture, Community and Youth Minister Lawrence Wong joined in to mark the occasion which was held at the Singapore Management University.

The celebrations are meant to honour volunteers from all walks of life in Singapore.

About 5,000 people soaked in the festivities, which had game booths and food stalls run by social enterprises.

International Volunteer Day is an international observance designated by the United Nations.

The event is supported by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre and the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth.

Mr Wong said: "Amidst our fast—paced lifestyles and many responsibilities in Singapore, sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of our purpose in life and our volunteers here remind us that we can show kindness and compassion to one another. You remind us that we must care for one another and treat each other with dignity and respect."

— CNA/fa