Be a Volunteer

It's true when they say you get what you wish for. About two weeks ago, I received an email from work looking for volunteers for Starlight Foundation and immediately I put my hand up for it. And on the morning of the 1st May, I was ironing my Starlight volunteer top ready to wear it that very day. Alas, procrastination at its best.

I was allocated to a team of 4 people and our times were from 4 to 6pm. So with a few coins already clanging in our containers from the previous shift, we marched down to a busy intersection in the city.

The hardest part for me was popping the street "bubble". The unknown and rarely talked about invisible cover that people put between themselves and strangers. The thing is... I understood why some people would walk past us without even acknowledging our presence because I would do the same too.

But eventually, it got easier to approach people, look at them in the eye (with a smile on my face of course) and ask for a donation.

I found that a lot of tradees gave. A minimal number men in suits gave. And it was the average non-workwear people who were giving, school kids and even the big issue guy. By the time it hit 6 o'clock, all our containers were filled and most of the merchandise were sold.

I didn't expect this 104 to affect me as much as it did. To know how it feels to be on asking end, holding out the cup. And also, learning to acknowledge people even if you are not going to give. At least that will motivate them and let them know that they are doing something good.

May we never forget that a little does make a big difference.