Meet Sindhu, Jaelyn and Jonathan

Meet Sindhuja (Sindhu),33, Jaelyn, 29, and Jonathan 26. Every Saturday morning, they meet not for brunch or at the gym, but at our Community Shop @ Mountbatten. Working full-time on weekdays, these strangers-turned-friends have been volunteering at the Shop since 2023. Among the shelves of rice, oil, and canned foods, they have become familiar faces to the beneficiaries, greeting them cheerfully when they enter and often lending their listening ears. 

Together We Build a Stronger Community

For Jaelyn, the connections made there mean so much more than the tasks. "There's an uncle who always speaks to me in Teochew," she shared with a smile. Her exchanges with him always make her think of her late grandmother, and those moments feel very personal. 

Jonathan often finds himself inspired by the stories shared by the beneficiaries. "Some share about their health struggles; recovering from stroke or other injuries", but they still show up with courage."

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We Rise by Lifting Others

Sindhu, too, treasures these bonds. "Community spirit is important," she said. "It creates a sense of belonging and encourages people to look out for one another"

The trio remembers being especially moved by a gift from a child who drew a picture of the Community Shop, complete with volunteers and food items. "She spent so much time on it," Sindhu recalled. "It showed us the impact we were making."

Though it means waking up early on weekends, the volunteers agree that the fulfilment they feel far outweighs the effort. "We often go through life just working to make a living," Jonathan added. "Here, we are reminded of what truly matters: helping others."

Through their laughter, stories, and steady presence, Jaelyn, Jonathan, and Sindhu, along with 40 other regular volunteers at our network of five Community Shops, embody the spirit that we rise by lifting others.

Hear other heartfelt stories about kindness here.