As a volunteer myself, I am very disappointed by Ms Quek May Ling's views ("Volunteers' pay may send wrong message"; Oct 12).

Volunteers sacrifice family and personal time to work hard and work for free. In return, we make a difference in someone else's life. The reward is intrinsic and no one can ever take that away from us.

Pioneer Generation Ambassadors have a wide net to cast, making use of their weekends to visit elderly folk.

In return, they receive a small token for their time and hard work knocking on doors. Other volunteers may receive a meal after events to compensate them.

It is disheartening to hear that many people feel this is wrong.

Shelby Doshi (Ms)