SingHealth Polyclinics volunteers raise funds for Family Medicine in “Helping Hands, Warming Hearts” charity auction.

Before COVID-19 hit our shores, Mr Rashidee Bin Raziman spent many of his off days at Tampines Polyclinic. He is part of SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) Helping Hands, a group of volunteers who assist patients with various tasks at the different polyclinics in the SingHealth cluster.

“I started volunteering in 2019 because I felt the need to give back to the community. I had just been through a tough time where I nearly lost my daughter. I was grateful for the care of the healthcare staff and, in turn, wanted to help others in any way that I could,” shared Mr Rashidee.

The SHP Helping Hands is a programme where volunteers complement the polyclinic staff to improve patients’ experience and create a positive environment for patients and caregivers.

However, because of COVID-19 and the implementation of Safe Management Measures, volunteers were not able continue with their usual activities. This did not stop the SHP Helping Hands volunteers from finding other ways to contribute.

From 6 September to 2 October 2021, SHP held its inaugural “Helping Hands, Warming Hearts” charity auction, where volunteers, aged 33 to 90 years old, contributed handmade crafts to raise funds for a good cause.

Mrs Agai Kannie Balan, a retiree who has been volunteering with the SHP Helping Hands at Outram Polyclinic since 2018, created handmade soap baskets for the event. “I used to help guide elderly patients when they come for their appointments. But now with the pandemic, we can’t go back to volunteer. When I heard that the Helping Hands volunteers were making items for this charity auction, I saw it as another way to help the patients. It is rewarding for me to be able to give back.”

The charity auction’s proceeds went towards the Gift of Family Fund (GoFF), which supports the advancement of Family Medicine through research and education, and provides support to polyclinic patients in need. “COVID-19 did not deter the volunteers’ determination to serve. We are deeply touched by their enthusiasm to do good and we are grateful for their generosity and contribution,” said Angeline Tan, from SHP’s Development Office.

“For the auction, I painted mugs with Mandala painting,” said Mr Rashidee. “Doing this is very different from my usual volunteer work, but I am very happy to still be able to help our patients during this pandemic. Even though we are not able to interact with patients now, our purpose still remains the same.”


To find out how you can support the Gift of Family Fund, you can visit polyclinic.singhealth.com.sg, email givingtoshp@singhealth.com.sg, or call 6350-7549.