VOLUNTEERING HIGHLIGHTS
Our Volunteers’ Impact at a Glance
6,705
Total volunteers
18,606
Total number of engagements
28,516
Total number of volunteering hours
$298,937
Total man-hour cost savings
MWS Volunteer Mission Statement
Walking alongside people in need with love and grace, bringing hope and impacting lives.
MWS Befriender’s Toolkit – Engaging People with Dementia
This latest resource in the MWS Befriender’s Toolkit series is designed to equip volunteers, caregivers, and key stakeholders with communication tips and engagement activities for beneficiaries at varying stages of dementia. The Toolkit was jointly developed by the Volunteer Management, Allied Health, Nursing, and Medical Social Work teams of MWS. Since then, it has also been adapted into a volunteer training module
MWS Volunteer Showcase – Hearts of Gold
Nearly 60 participants attended the Volunteer Open House on 11 May 2024 at MWS Active Ageing Centre – Kebun Baru. Through hands-on activities such as community outreach, adaptive sports, and Hama bead crafts, attendees gained a deeper understanding of MWS’ diverse volunteer opportunities.
MWS Volunteer Training
In FY2024/25, MWS trained 216 volunteers through eight dedicated training sessions. Conducted together with our partner churches, these sessions aimed to better equip volunteers in serving our beneficiaries and the wider community. Topics covered included Befriending 101, Engaging People with Dementia, and Engaging People with Chronic Illness.
Volunteers Speak
Her Tutoring Sparked a Leap in Learning
University student Nur Hanis Arina was simply looking for a meaningful way to spend her free time when she began volunteering as a tutor at MWS Family Service Centre – Tampines. What she didn’t expect was how transformative the experience would be – not just for her, but also for her Secondary 1 tutee, who comes from a low-income background and had been struggling academically. Since June 2024, Nur Hanis has been tutoring her weekly across various subjects. Over time, her student made significant strides, even receiving a Good Improvement Award at school. “Witnessing her progress was incredibly rewarding,” said Nur Hanis. “Although she felt disappointed at not passing all her subjects, her effort truly shone through, and I was immensely proud of her growth in confidence and resilience.
She Found Healing through Giving
After losing her husband in 2021, Alice Nah Soo Kheng, 67, struggled with loneliness. Joining MWS Active Ageing Centre – Kebun Baru as a member brought some comfort, but it wasn’t until she began volunteering in 2022 that she truly found joy and purpose. As a befriender and exercise facilitator, Alice helps engage seniors who are socially isolated, encouraging them to stay active and connected. “I feel fulfilled seeing them improve physically and emotionally,” she shared. “One senior came in using a wheelchair and couldn’t stand. After regular exercise, she can now stand and walk short distances, making her more cheerful. Volunteering helped me heal by bringing joy to others.”
Volunteering Pulled Her Out of Depression
Nine years ago, Gurcharan Kaur left her job to become a full-time caregiver for her late mother. After her mother’s passing, the 58-year-old found herself grieving, lonely, and slipping into depression. At her husband’s suggestion, she began volunteering at MWS Nursing Home – Yew Tee, engaging residents in dog-assisted therapy, birthday celebrations, and expressive arts.
“Volunteering gave me something to look forward to,” she shared. “Each session lifted my spirits as I watched the residents’ eyes light up with joy.” Through volunteering, Gurcharan found healing and purpose. A quote by Maya Angelou continues to inspire her: ‘The purpose of life is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.’ “It’s why I continue to serve,” she said.
His Message Saved a Life
While sharing a message at MWS Christalite Methodist Home, long-time pastoral care volunteer Peter Maridas felt led to speak about suicide. “You have no right to take your own life,” he told the residents, sharing how he had once hit rock bottom – losing his first wife to a heart attack and contemplating suicide himself. “But something stopped me. I told them, if I had ended my life, I wouldn’t be here speaking to you today.”
The next day, he learnt that a resident struggling with suicidal thoughts had changed his mind after hearing Peter’s story. “If God can use Peter, He can also use me,” the resident said.
“I was encouraged that God used me to inspire someone,” Peter said. “There may be many others at the Home who are lonely or struggling, and I want to be here to bring light into their darkness.”
Now 59, the logistics entrepreneur sees his ministry as a calling to reach the destitute – those who often lack family support. “I have a burning passion to bring joy to those who need it most and to be an instrument of Christ’s love,” he said. “When my time is up, I want to be able to say I ran my race well and lived out my purpose.”
Tracking Volunteer Satisfaction
The MWS Annual Volunteer Satisfaction Survey was conducted between 16 February and 30 April 2025 with 259 respondents.
99%
would continue volunteering at MWS in the coming year
91%
felt the communication from the MWS Centre was clear and concise
96%
were satisfied with the availability of MWS staff to help him or her when needed
91%
felt the volunteer training was useful
95%
felt appreciated by the MWS Centre or Programme staff
89%
felt the MWS Centre often engaged with them
94%
felt they made a positive difference to the clients
82%
were satisfied with the frequency of training provided for his or her role
92%
felt their values are aligned with MWS’ mission and causes