Jenny Chua, 61

Jenny Chua, 61
Volunteering in the Guiding Programme and administrative duties

How did you get into volunteering and why?
For a long time I wanted to do volunteer work but due to work commitments, I never had time to fulfil my passion. Also I had no friends in other volunteer organisations. When I first heard from Florence Cheong about the Changi Senior Ambassador Programme, I found it interesting and I wanted to know more. I attended the induction talk at RSVP to find out about its activities. I signed up as a member in October 2009.

Could you share where you volunteer currently and what your responsibilities are?
While I was waiting for the next intake of Changi Senior Ambassadors, I was approached by RSVP to man the reception desk. I started to do reception duty in February 2010. I volunteer twice a week; 12pm to 6pm on Thursdays and 9am to 12pm on Fridays. My duties include answering of phone calls, and collection of fees for classes like line dancing, singing and membership fees. When I started my part-time work, I stopped my reception duty in June 2011. On an ad-hoc basis, I assist in RSVP's admin work like mass mailing and following up of calls for fundraising projects.

Beyond RSVP, I was also a volunteer with the Singapore Youth Olympic Games in 2010 manning the hotline and helping in data entry for a few months at its headquarters at Tanglin Road. I also provided assistance during the Silver Infocomm Day and the Active Ageing Carnival in 2010. In March this year I started directional guiding at KK Hospital, volunteering once a week.

Could you share with us the satisfaction you gain from volunteering?
The satisfaction I get from doing volunteer work is interacting with people, be it members or non-members, young or old especially when I'm doing reception duty. The joy of talking to people from all walks of life is enough to make my day a happy one. It also builds up my courage to speak to people on the phone especially for the fundraising projects. In fact I find myself busier now with the different activities than when I was working.

What would you say to other seniors about volunteering?
If you have yet to volunteer, don't hesitate. Do come forth to volunteer! There are so many activities for you to be involved in and opportunities for you to impart your skills and knowledge. RSVP has done much to tie up with various organisations to source for new volunteering opportunities for us. You will never know the joy and experience of doing volunteer work if you do not try.