Over the past weekend, I had the meaningful opportunity to join the Singapore Red Cross Academy and Community Health Outreach for Wellness teams in a volunteer initiative supporting individuals impacted by the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand. https://www.facebook.com/sgredcross
This effort brought together not just volunteers, but also individuals directly affected by the disaster. Many of us shared the same pain, memories, and emotional weight. Being there as a volunteer while also carrying the emotional impact myself made this experience especially heartfelt and profound.
A Space for Healing
The outreach provided more than just emotional first aid. It offered a safe, supportive space for community members to reconnect with themselves and with others. Through simple but powerful mindfulness activities, we created moments of calm in the midst of grief and anxiety. We took time to breathe, to be present, and to acknowledge what we were feeling.
One of the most touching parts of the experience was sitting down to sketch and colour with the participants.
Art became a bridge that connected us without the need for many words. Whether it was a child drawing flowers or an elder adding gentle shades to a peaceful landscape, each piece was a small step toward healing.
Listening and Supporting
Sometimes, the most valuable thing you can offer is a listening ear. Many shared their stories quietly, some through tears, some with soft smiles. We listened without judgment, holding space for whatever emotions surfaced.
The act of simply being there, side by side, heart to heart, was healing in itself.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIQ-lL8Mrp1/?hl=en&img_index=3
Reflections
This experience reminded me that even in times of sorrow, there is strength in community. When people come together with compassion, empathy, and patience, it creates ripples of healing that go far beyond the moment.
I’m grateful to the Singapore Red Cross for this opportunity. Volunteering in this way wasn’t just about giving, it was also about connecting, understanding, and growing stronger together.
