SINGAPORE - Senior citizens are being encouraged to take part in one of the dozens of volunteering events organised by RSVP Singapore as part of its National Senior Volunteer Month campaign.
The year-long campaign, which began in January this year and has its official launch on Sept 4, includes activities such as serving as Changi Airport service ambassadors and story-telling to underprivileged students.
Though the campaign's aim is to increase the number of senior volunteers, activities are open to people of all ages as RSVP Singapore hopes to make it family oriented.
RSVP Singapore, an organisation for senior volunteers, was launched by former prime minister Goh Chok Tong in 1998, and offers training programmes and enrichment classes to members aged 40 and up.
Says RSVP Singapore executive director Edmund Song, 61: "Seniors are the solution to the aging demographics issue, not the problem. There is a wealth of educated and skilled seniors that we can turn into skilled volunteers."
"A big reason why seniors don't volunteer is that they're not approached. First time volunteers often don't know how to get involved, so we're hoping with this campaign to bring these activities to their doorstep."
Those interested in taking part can visit www.rsvp.org.sg to browse available events and e-mail general@rsvp.org.sg or call 6259-0802 to register.
