New Community Centre Launched in Geylang Aimed at Meeting Community Needs

There’s a new community center in town.

And this one’s catered to all your needs.

Or at least, that’s what they intend to do with the introduction of the SG Cares Volunteer Centre @ Geylang.

With this latest facility, The Straits Times reported, social needs could be met, and partners could even “collaborate and mobilise resources”.

New Community Centre Launched in Geylang Aimed at Meeting Community Needs

According to the news report, a memorandum of understanding, which puts the Care Community Services Society (CCSS) in charge of the community center, has been signed.

The event occurred on Tuesday (23 Feb), and was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong and MacPherson MP Tin Pei Ling. It was also documented on Mr Heng’s Facebook profile.

According to Mr Heng’s Facebook post, the center, which is situated at 103 Lavender Street, aims to “grow volunteerism, build capabilities, and connect partners in the Geylang area to meet the needs of the local community”.

He also highlighted the intentions of the CCSS, and thanked them for their help.

“CCSS provides support for families, seniors and children who need extra help,” he wrote.

“Some of their corporate partners have been supporting CCSS for many years. Although the volunteers have found it more difficult to run their operations, they have also been pleasantly surprised that many more people are coming forward to help.”

“My thanks to the team at CCSS and all our charitable organizations for your ‘heart’ work!”

He added that this latest SG Cares Volunteer Center will serve to “galvanise communities to action”.

“I hope that the measures that I announced at #SGBudget2021, to encourage giving and support for our social sector agencies, will bring even more people to donate and volunteer,” he wrote.

One such measure is a two-year extension of the Business and IPC (Institutions of a Public Character) Partnership Scheme, which aims to promote more corporate volunteerism.

The community center would certainly benefit Singaporeans who are in need of help, following the disastrous consequences of the pandemic.

“Through (the effort to establish volunteer centres), we are forging a strong society to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Mr Tong.

You can view the Facebook post down below:

SG Cares Volunteer Centre

According to The Straits Times, the center is just one of at least eight volunteer centers set up in Singapore since 2018.

Netizens have also approved of such ventures, with Mr Heng’s post garnering considerable assent and praise.

Volunteers

Over time, the importance of volunteers has only increased, especially during these tumultuous months.

In December 2020, it was reported that SingHealth is now looking for 100 healthy adult volunteers for the next phase of the trial for the Singapore-Arcturus Covid-19 vaccine.

The TraceTogether scheme also required volunteers for various processes.

And lest you’re unaware, community refrigerators have only worked because of these tireless, unsung heroes.

As such, we would like to extend our appreciation towards these kind souls.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Feature Image: Facebook (Heng Swee Keat)