After a month-long of preparation, Project Compassion '08 kicked off on Sunday morning - 14 December 2008. The clock read 07:30.
The team of volunteers streamed in to Jurong East Interchange. Their expressions exuberated the high spirit, jovial mood and enthusiasm - to share love, to brighten someone elses life and to spark a little happiness in the life of others.
The 45-strong contingent arrived at the Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Association Centre after 3-hours long journey. Everyone get down to work immediately. There was not a moment to waste. Some get down to work on the lunch preparation. Some get down to work on the performance venue decoration. Some get down to work on the sound system set-up.
During the lunch session, our volunteers had a chance to interact with the centres residents - most of whom are suffering from mental and physical handicap or disability. Many of our volunteers took the chance to feed the residents. A small act of service that carries with it extraordinary meaning. The gentle act of kindness gives the helpless residents a feeling of being accepted. The gentle touch of care showers the helpless residents with love that they are often deprived of.
At the same time, the decoration team was getting their hands busy with the task of brightening up the performance venue and creating the joyful atmosphere that is the hallmark of a Christmas season.
After all the residents were finished with their lunch, they headed to the performance venue. The event culminated with a Christmas party that was lined up with a series of performances. The party kicked off with the Dance of Nature that was presented by the youthful and energetic Chen Xi team. Then, there was choir performance from the Mama team, choir cum dance performance by the residents, Christmas Carol by the youth, Clown Magic show. And... Not forgetting the two Santa Clauses accompanied by Robin who had made their way from Singapore, carrying with them sacks of goodies to be distributed to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. Then there was the unforgettable dance party where all our volunteers and the residents had the chance to mingle around in each others companion and pour their hearts content out. Truly, it was a moment of a lifetime for many. There was smile on every faces as we embraced in each others comfort.
That was a moment where we put aside differences of skin colors, ages and appearances.
At the end of the celebration, our volunteers took the occasion to pay tribute to all the social workers for their dedications and sacrifices in caring for our helpless brothers and sisters. Their spirit of compassion, giving and nondiscriminatory love is something that we will take with us as we head our way back to Singapore. That is the lesson that we will take with us to our family and people around us.
Project Compassion '08 is our tiny token of gratitude to Laomu - our Heavenly Mother and Mother of all creations - for the sacred life that we had. That we should do our part - no matter how small - that we are our brothers' and sisters' keeper. That we should not only care for ourselves, but for those around us.
What happened that day reminds us that it is through giving that happiness is received. What happened that day reminds us that it does not take - extraordinary miracles, or mountains of wealth, or the glitter and glamor - to be happy. What it takes is a simple heart that is full of gratitude, contentment, willingness to share, serve and sacrifice.
Yes, it is that simple.
