Children’s Fest, our annual community event for children and families since 2011, had to be cancelled in 2020 in light of the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions. In 2021, we wanted to reimagine a pandemic-friendly community event that would still meet the needs of our beneficiaries.
Blessed2BLESS filled that gap. Over the Christmas season, volunteers would take beneficiary children and families on shopping trips or visit beneficiaries’ households. Our goal was not just to provide materially for our beneficiaries, but to also spark off befriending relationships between volunteers and beneficiaries for social support, with some maintaining relationships over the long term.
Blessed2BLESS brought much-needed joy during the Christmas season to families who were in need and saw the start of many warm and friendly relationships. Many beneficiaries were grateful for the shopping vouchers and care packs, which covered expenses for daily necessities and school supplies for their children. Working parents especially appreciated the friendly attention volunteers gave to their children on the shopping trips.
In 2022 we met the needs of 322 beneficiaries, thanks to our partnership with Covenant Evangelical Free Church, as well as SSO Choa Chu Kang (UPLIFT), SSO Woodlands (ComLink), and the Bukit Panjang, Admiralty and Zhenghua grassroots, in reaching various individuals and families in the community.