Heartstrings Walk with Thong Kheng's Residents @ Marina Bay 2007 -- .

On 18 August, 2007, 10 volunteers from Shan You Counselling Centre (SYCC), 6 staffs and 14 residents from Blue Cross Thong Kheng Home participated in an interesting and meaningful Walk strolling through landmarks in Singapore like Merlion Park, Victoria Memorial Concert Hall and Fullerton Hotel.

Organised by the Community Chest, the Heartstrings Walk @ Marina Bay 2007 was held at a special venue ?The National Day Parade Floating Platform. Waved off by the Guest of Honour, His Excellency President S R Nathan, the participants and invited Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) started their journey to the heart of the city.

Most of the participating VWOs came up with creative ideas to motivate the participants such as having residents purple and white heart-shaped balloons and designing their faces with glitter and face paint. Some of the participants even dressed up in colourful costumes and attracted the crowds?attention by singing and beating handheld drums.

Ah Muan, our leading man who is also the tallest resident from Thong Kheng Home, was entrusted with an important task of holding the Thong Kheng Home flag to lead the team.

After the sounding of the horn, everyone cheered loudly and Ah Muan waved the flag excitedly. Upon arrival at the 1km end point at Merlion Park, everyone decided that we should extend our journey to Raffles Place for our short break cum mini-picnic at the scenic Singapore Riverside before returning to the Carnival.

What astonished us, while on the way back to the Carnival, was the sight of a group of innovative teenagers who costumed themselves with multi-coloured balloons twisted in unique designs such as phoenix, dragon and even astronaut. They were generous enough to distribute their masterpieces to the participants and even accommodated to the requests from some of the participants. Their kind gestures had brought joy to the participants, especially the residents and Shan You Volunteers who had colourful balloon hats, swords and cute balloon sculptures filled in their arms.

The atmosphere of the day of was rich with brimming smiles and laughter from both the residents and volunteers. Unfortunately, a sudden downpour brought an end to the Carnival and after a hearty lunch, we collected the goodie bags and set off for home. The Walk was certainly a great learning experience for Shan You Volunteers, as it allowed the volunteers to be in touch with a special group of needy in the community. The residents had also inspired us to step back, reflect and realise that life can be fulfilling and easily satisfied.

Special thanks to all the volunteers and staff from Blue Cross Thong Kheng Home who had taken their personal time off to help out in this enjoyable Walk and we look forward to the next activity with Blue Cross Thong Kheng Home!