Volunteers remind us that we must care for one another and treat each other with dignity and respect

Speech by Mr Lawrence Wong, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth at the International Volunteer Day Celebrations

Organising Committee of IVD 2012 
Volunteers and friends

1. I am happy to be here this evening for the International Volunteer Day celebrations.
2. The theme for this year’s event is ‘A Family of Volunteers’. It has special significance, because this is the first time the event is being organised by volunteers, for volunteers. And that’s what it means to have ‘a Family of Volunteers’ – people stepping forward and volunteering their time and energy to do something for one another, and for the community.
3. So let me thank all our volunteers for being part of this big family gathering. Special thanks also to our partners Lions Befrienders, Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities and YMCA for taking the lead in organising this event. I believe that your personal examples, and the many other stories of service and giving that all of you have to share, will be an inspiration to all Singaporeans.
4. Sometimes we read about certain aspects of our society – the NIMBY syndrome, the rise of littering, and most recently, the apparent lack of emotions in our people – and, understandably, we worry about what kind of Singapore we will have in the future. But when I come to an event like this, I see a gathering of people filled with joy and warmth, and yes, lots of emotions too. And, I feel a sense of hope and optimism for our future.
5. You all come from many different backgrounds. You have many different life experiences. But you all have at least one thing in common: your willingness to give your time and effort to help others. I am humbled by your generosity of spirit and your compassion for your fellow human beings.
6. Amidst our fast-paced lifestyles and many responsibilities, it is sometimes easy to lose sight of our purpose in life. You remind us how we can show kindness and compassion to others. You remind us that we must care for one another and treat each other with dignity and respect. You remind us that in the end, what matters is not our possessions or position, but our relationships with the people around us, and the difference we make in their lives.
7. All of you, our volunteers, play a very important role in shaping the kind of Singapore we want for the future. Through your acts of giving, you exemplify the values of compassion, empathy and graciousness. You provide the touch-points to offer love, support, and so much more, to those in need. You connect us to our community and inspire us to be involved in something larger than ourselves. More importantly, you become role models to pass on key values to the next generation, and help make Singapore a better, more gracious home for all.
   
8. In closing, I would like to dedicate this event to all volunteers in Singapore and also thank their families, friends and colleagues who have supported them in their volunteering journey. In the words of the song that we are about to sing, your contributions have truly given our people wings to soar, to go for their dreams, and make the most of our lives. Thank you very much for all the good work that you are doing, and enjoy the concert!