Friday, February 13, 2015

My Story ~ My Kindness Journey

Dear Friends,
I hope to share with you my story, in hope that it can encourage you a little, in whatever interest or dreams that you are pursuing at the moment. If you don't give up and keep trying, you may just find success one day. If you have a rough start, it does not mean that your ideas are not good, it probably mean that you need to fine tune abit to make everything gel.
When I started Project Act of Random Kindness (P.A.R.K.) in Sep 2013, I was full of enthusiasm and energy. I can't wait to share with the whole world the joy and benefits of giving kindness, how it can change our world for the better through acts of random kindness, one at a time. I started blogging and giving kindness whenever and wherever I can. I make it a point that it should be my lifelong journey to give kindness and I also hope that I can influence some friends to join me in this journey. It is my vision to build a community of kind people, where we can come together to give kindness and love, to help those in need and move everyone forward together.
After weeks of blogging, I come to realize the only person who is seriously reading my blog is myself! Everyday I wish someone would leave a comment on my blog posts, even if it was a negative comment but there was none. I later figured that why don't I create a Facebook page instead? If there are friends liking my page, it would be an acknowledgement that I am engaging people and moving in the right directions. So, I set up P.A.R.K. Facebook Page and while I try to promote this page when answering questions on Yahoo Answers, there was no "likes" after weeks of waiting, haha smile emoticon The person who was reading all the kindness quotes and stories shared on the FB page was again none other than myself. It was starting to get a little demoralizing because after weeks/ months of spreading the message, there was totally no response.
I then decided that I should be more proactive, so I went to shamelessly add friends whom I have not met in real life. These friends have demonstrated the will to give kindness in some ways (through supporting kindness initiatives posted on FB) and since I want to be the messenger, let me try to engage them first. I started sharing my thoughts and reflection on my wall and the response was better, much better than when I try to communicate via my blog or page. Thereafter, I seized the opportunity to get them to like my FB page *evil grin*
To enhance further interaction and engagement, I set up our Facebook Group, P2P, to serve as a platform to share kindness oppprtunities with anyone who is willing to give kindness. I know we all lead busy lifestyles so it might not be feasible for most of us to commit to regular volunteering. The ad hoc volunteer events and request of preloved items should serve us fine. I also hope that through P2P, the volunteer leaders can get the support (manpower, sponsorship) that they need, after putting in so much effort to organize an event/ initiative. I also hope that the interaction we have in our group can inspire more people to join in the kindness journey and experience the true joy of giving.
Till date, we are edging towards 3,000 members, many of whom join us willingly (lest the first few hundreds whom I again shamelessly add without their permission :p). Having said that, it is not the number of members that I am proud of but the amazing volume of kindness shown by many of you that greatly touches me. It is your tremendous support that help many volunteer groups achieve their goals of helping more needy folks, when it all seems gloomy initially. I always feel that P2P is just a gathering place, there's nothing great about group name (or it's founder) but true greatness comes from the people, it is members like yourself who makes our group such a special and heartwarming place to be in, thank you very much for that.
The point I am trying to bring across in this long post is that if you have something that you strongly believe in, you have got to keep trying to make it work. Don't give up when you meet up with setbacks or they will be your stumbling blocks. Instead, make them your stepping stones to geer towards something bigger and better. I wish you all the best in whatever you are striving at; live for the moments that take your breadth away, chase your dreams and live life to the fullest, for it is too short to go through motion. Cheers smile emoticon

Free Food For All

This is a very meaningful initiative and a perfect example on how the community can join efforts to help one another move forward together. The concept is simple; the friends who have slightly more blessings pool together their resources (funding, raw material, time and effort) to prepare meals for the poor, needy and underprivileged. Each meal box costs only $2 and can help to fill the stomach of the hungry folks. That might be their only meal of the day.
Despite being an affluent country, we have people who are poor, hungry and suffering. We may not know their background or stories but we know that they definitely need our help. It is easy to ask why the authority or the organizations are not doing more to help but it is more meaningful if the ordinary folks, like you and me, can contribute within our means to make a difference to the less fortunate.
If you would like to support this program in any ways, be it through sponsoring or volunteering, pls visit their page or drop a PM to Nizar to find out more:
Thank you everyone for your kindness and have a great weekend ahead !

Donate your unopened, unexpired Food to Needy Families

Dear Friends,
If you happen to find these food items (rice, noodles, salt, canned food, sugar, biscuit, milk) in your cabinet or fridge during spring cleaning and you do not want to consume anymore, please do bring them to the warehouse of Foodbank Singapore. Pls kindly ensure that they have a shelf life of at least 4 weeks and are unopened. These food items will be donated to needy families to help them in their grocery needs. Your act of kindness will help to reduce food wastage and at the same time help a family in need, thank you for making that effort to brighten someone's day, cheers sm
ile emoticon


Help Deliver Some Warmth to Where It Matters Most

Dear Friends,
Chinese New Year is round the corner and most of us would be busy doing spring cleaning. It is especially pleasing to see the house in a clean and neat condition. However, not everyone is as fortunate as us, who has the physical and mental ability to do our own spring cleaning. There is a group of needy elderly, staying all by themselves, in their homes with terrible living conditions, full of clutter, pest and lacking any space.
Our dear friend, Xiangyun, is putting together a meaningful initiative to reach out to 30 of such families, to help their homes get a total facelift, making it cleaner and more hygenic to live in. The refurbishment includes purchase of cleaning equipment, painting, fumigation service and replacement of furniture that is filled with beg bugs. Her team is still $3,000 short of her first milestone. I think we can help her out with a small pledge of $10 each. If there are 300 of us pledging $10 each, we would have helped the team reach their target. It is important that the team reach this target as there is a donor pledging to match the same amount if the first milestone of $5,000 is reached, thus your every contribution doubled for the needy families.
Let's help spread some warmth and improve lives as we celebrate in this festive season. I think it is definitely more meaningful this way. The link to make the donation is as follow:

Donation of Children Items to Bless Underprivileged Children Local or Overseas

Dear Friends,
I am consolidating all the previous posts into one summarized post, so that you can have an overview of all the options, on where to donate your children's stuff (toys, clothing, books, bags, shoes, stationery) to the underprivileged children in Singapore or overseas smile emoticon Do check out the links for more details on the collection point, opening hours & contact info. If you know of other initiatives who are supporting such movement, feel free to share so that more can benefit smile emoticon
Local Underprivileged Children
1. Toys From the Heart
- Toys only
- Collection Period: All year round
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1467390706823257/
2. Willing Hearts
- Toys, Books, Clothings, Stationery
- Collection Period: All year round (do note they are shifting office from 1 Aug 14 onwards)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1486425211588291&set=gm.1492122354350092&type=1
3. TOUCH Child Care
- Chidren Clothing (3 to 6 years old)
- Collection Period: All year round
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1485882858307375/
4. Jamiyah Children's Home
- Children Clothing (3 years to 18 years old), Bag, Shoes, Stationery, Story Books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1476297479265913/
5. Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home
- Chidren Clothing (6 to 21 years old)
- Collection Period: All year round
https://www.facebook.com/CreatingSmilesPa…/…/246758618854489
7. Sanctuary House
- Infant/ Toddlers Items, e.g. clothing, toys, bottles, prams (0 to 6 years old)
- Collection Period: All year round
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1513342608894733/
8. Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support
- Baby Items (Formula milk, Diapers, Baby clothes, Baby cots, Milk bottles, Baby bath tubs, Prams) and Maternity Wear
- Collection Period: All year round
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1530392133856447/
Overseas Underprivileged Children
1. Swan Fund
- Soft Toys only
- Collection Period: All year round
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1469773363251658/
2. Blessing in a Bag
- Children Clothing, Toys, Board Games, Books, Towel, School Supplies
- Collection Period: All year round
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1473250566237271/
3. Give Us Your Love
- Children Shoes, Children Clothing, School Uniform (White Top), Stationery, School Bags, Toys, Simple Books
- Collection Period: All Year Round
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1500892170139777/
4. Cambodia English Project
*** Collection period is over but may collect again in a few months time
- Children Clothing & Story Books (Kindergarten/ Lower Pri), Stationery,
School Supplies
- Collection Period: 7 May ~ 31 May 2014
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1485218511707143/
Blessing Groups
- Babies, children & mummy items to bless other parents who are unable to afford them
1. BMB - Bless for Mummies and Babies
https://www.facebook.com/groups/blessmummiesbabies/
2.. Sincere Blessing for Babies and Mummies
https://www.facebook.com/groups/SincereBlessing/

Recycling Initiatives in Singapore

Dear Friends,
There are many items that we throw on a daily basis which can be useful to others or are recyclable. We have a thread here on donation of preloved items to benefit the less fortunate so that helps in REUSE and in turn REDUCE waste. Another way to be kind to Mother Nature is to RECYCLE.
There are various initiatives available to promote recycling of items that we don't need, so do take a look at some of them that are compiled below. The next time before we open the chute to throw our rubbish, do think if they can be recycled or reused, because through a little bit more efforts, we can help to reduce damage to Mother Nature and preserve it for our future generations.
RENEW (REcycling Nation’s Electronic Waste) by Starhub
http://www.starhub.com/…/recycling-nations-electronic-waste…
Recycling Electronic Waste at Funan DigitaLife Mall
http://www.funan.com.sg/en/happenings/…
I leave you with 2 memorable quotes which constantly remind me on why we should be kind to Mother Nature. If we look around, we have what we have today (buildings, houses, roads) because we took them from Nature. So what do we do if someone is kind to us? We be nice to them back smile emoticon

Donate ALL your Preloved items for a GOOD Cause

Dear Friends,
If you have anything you don't need, please browse through the threads here to see how you can actually help someone in need or contribute them for a good cause.
10. Babies, Children, Adult, Elderly Items
http://www.willinghearts.org.sg/contact/
12. Wishlist from Pass It On
https://www.passiton.org.sg/grant-a-wish
15. Children Items, Clothing, Bags, Books, Toys, Household Appliances, Kitchenware, Electrical
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1644438162451843/
16. Clothes, Books, Electrical Appliances, CDs, VCDs, Toys, Household items, Clothes, Bags, Ladies' Accessories, Computers & Peripherals
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1644894705739522/
19. Blessing Groups (scroll down for the list of compiled blessing groups)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1486209361608058/
20. Anything you think can benefit others
https://www.facebook.com/srrfm
23. Piano, Christmas Tree, Printer, Plastic Cups, Assessment books
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1658454857716840/

Updated Volunteer Calendar (13 Feb 15)

Dear Friends,
If you have a passion for giving kindness and doing volunteer work, this compilation would be useful for your advanced planning, to schedule your time for volunteer/ charity work. I will try to update it frequently so that you have more options on the activities you can participate in during your free time.
heart emoticon Volunteer Event to Help Children Fight Myopia
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1594148804147446/
heart emoticon Grocery Distribution to Needy Families at Ghim Moh (14 Feb 15)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1593962090832784/
heart emoticon Volunteer Event at Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home (14 Feb 15)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1601121883450138/
heart emoticon CNY Party for 50 Elderly at Henderson (28 Feb 15)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1599800003582326/
heart emoticon Mi Le Charity Lunch at Ang Mo Kio (15 March 15)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1437902803105381/permalink/1600804766815183/
More Volunteer Opportunities can be found in these groups/ pages:
heart emoticon Singapore Volunteers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/563187847150695/
heart emoticon The Singapore Glove Project:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/yellowgloveproject/
heart emoticon SG Volunteers:
http://sgvolunteer.com/
heart emoticon Sgcares Volunteer Calendar:
https://www.sgcares.org/public/other/SGCares_P_Others_SGCareCalender.aspx

Giving Kindness, Receiving Happiness

Saw an old Uncle at the hawker center selling tissue paper, he wanted to sell 7 packets of tissue paper for just $1 (or even $0.50 for 3 packets), I thought business must be bad as he was rejected by a few patrons before he came to my table. I gave him $2 and took 2 packets, he wanted to give me more packets but I told him it's ok, he was very grateful and happy, it made me happy too.
If it is within our means to give, to make another person happy, let's not think too much because the more we think, the more doubts we have and as a result, we close our hearts to giving love and giving joy. The world will be a better place if we can do just a little bit more for one another smile emoticon

Memories

What is one thing that we treasure most when we grow old, other than good health?
Memories.
When we are at that ripe old age, money no longer matters so much to us because most of the burden are gone and we are not going to bring our wealth with us anyway. What we treasure most then is the memories that we create during our lifetime. The things we enjoy doing today, the places we explored, the bonding we had with our loved ones, the people who touched our lives and the lives we touched, will form the biggest part our memories. When we look back and give ourselves the final evaluation, what are the memories that we will remember?
I know that I will always remember that at a certain point in my life's journey, I met a group of fantastic people, many of whom I do not know in real life, who is ever passionate about giving love and making the world a better place. It is my honor to have rubbed shoulders with these people, to work together for a greater cause and to live a purposeful life. Thank you my dear friends for the friendship and the wonderful memories you have created in my life smile emoticon

Dealing with Negative Emotions & Embracing Positive Energy

Life is an amazing journey full of ups and downs. We are bound to meet up with people who are going to piss us off and make us upset. The best way to deal with these people is to simply ignore them, because there is no point building up negative emotions (anger, hate, sadness) because of the things these people say or do. For every min we spend getting negative over them, we waste one min of our life to do something constructive and good for this world. Surely, we can quarrel, fight, argue until we win but what do we really gain in the end? Will our negatively charged up emotions improve our mental or spiritual health? Will we be physically healthier after an outburst? Or will it all get worse because we spend time and effort on the people who are not even worth it?
It is almost a reflex reaction to get even when we are angered or pissed but slowly and surely we can learn how to manage our thoughts and emotions better. It gets better each time as we learn to let go (negative) things that are not useful and instead focus on (positive) things that are constructive and beneficial, be it to ourselves or to others. If we can help to remind our loved ones the importance of staying positive, let's do it because we may also need the same reminder someday.
The world is as beautiful or as ugly as how you see it, so when we take control of our thoughts, we take control of our life smile emoticon

Make Kindness A Habit in Your Everyday Life

Morning:
♡ Took a brochure from an elderly Uncle who was distributing in the underpass, when no one was taking from him
♡ Offered an elderly Auntie a seat on the train
Afternoon:
♡ Gave directions to a man on the street
Evening:
♡ Donated $1 to a visually impaired musician
Kindness, we can make it a habit to give everyday. It takes minimal time and effort and opportunities are present everywhere smile emoticon

Using Your Talents & Strengths For a Good Cause

Everyone of us is unique and has our own strengths and talents. Ever wonder how you can make use of your strengths and talents to do some good for this world?
Someone who is talented in singing or dancing can perform at the Homes to entertain the beneficiaries there; someone who is good in hair cutting can provide free barber service to the poor; someone who is passionate in making pastries can bake cookies or cupcakes for charity events, someone who is talented in art and craft can sell his/her art work to raise funds for a good cause.
I personally cant do the above listed but I figured that I am quite efficient in clearing backlogs and handling multiple requests from multiple parties. As such, I started an initiative to link friends who want to give kindness to friends who need kindness givers. In this way, supply meets demand and everyone is happy giving kindness smile emoticon
Have you ponder what is something that you are good at and that you can contribute to make our world a better place? Because I think by doing so, we can live for a greater purpose in life. To make use of what you are good at to help others and spread the joy is an empowering feeling, it inspires you to do more and makes you feel alive! If you currently feel that life is lacking something, start thinking of how, the uniquely special you, can make a difference to this world !