Article by:
Cheng Rui Ting, Singapore Polytechnic



On April 24, 2010, 15 volunteers including myself participated in nEbO Food Ration Distribution Service for the month of April 2010. Although it wasn’t my first time doing volunteer work, it was my first time doing food rationing and I was actually quite excited for it.

The 15 volunteers met up at 9 in the morning at downtown east before heading to ‘Shan You Counselling Centre’ to collect the food rations and attended a short briefing.


on checking the food rations against the client’s list, we were ready to go!

We visited elderlys who live in 1-roomed flats. Most of the elderly live alone, whereas a few live together with their spouse.To be frank, it was my first time visiting 1-roomed flats. I realised how fortunate I am and I really began to appreciate the naggings from my mum and the little quarrels with my brothers.

Upon delivering the food rations to the respective units, the elderlys thank us countless times as we helped to carry it into their house for them. One of them was very hospitable and agreed spontanously upon being asked to take a photo. To save us from the trouble of taking off our shoes and having to wear them back again, he told us not to take off our shoes and just go into the house to take the photo!



The food ration service ended after we’ve finish distributing all the food rations out to the elderly. At the end of the day, we could see how the elderly were brightened up and having a smile on their face from our little help.

Qi Xiang, 22, NYP said “we try our best to give them more support.”

Ying Qi, 19, TP added “I want to help the less fortunate people with what I can.”

It was indeed, a meaningful Saturday morning. Despite having a chance to sleep in after 5 days of hectic school days, I chose to wake up early and attended this event. With no doubt, it’s worth every single minute!