Parent's and their kids share their sentiments with us

This year, the Red Cross Flag Day 2012 was held on 11 February. It involved 7,000 volunteers from different schools island-wide.  Some parents also brought their young children along to give them a taste of what it is like volunteering for our Flag Day and to build the compassion in them. We went about interviewing some of them to find out how the felt about helping out in this meaningful cause.

Mrs Cecilia Yang who volunteered with her two sons Darius (11), Darwin (8), of Holy Innocents Primary School

How do you feel about volunteering for Red Cross Flag Day with your children?

It is an opportunity to do volunteer work. Darwin actually volunteered to participate. Darius is a Link member. I brought Darwin along to participate because he actually volunteered to participate.

How do you feel volunteering for Flag Day will help to inculcate compassion in your children?

It will enable them to experience what it is like asking for money to help the needy. So, they will learn it is not easy.

How important do you think it is to inspire your children and to teach them values like compassion, loving kindness and generosity?

It is important to inculcate in my children the desire to help others, so that it becomes a natural thing that they do.

Will you encourage your children to continue the spirit of volunteering when they grow older? Why?

Yes, in helping others, one can also find happiness.

How do you feel about volunteering for Red Cross Flag Day?

Darwin: I feel happy to help people or asking people to donate money to give to the needy.

What challenges do you face when collecting donations for Flag Day?

Darius: Some of the people do not want to donate.

How do you overcome the challenges?

Both: When they walk away, we just smile and say thank you.

What are the things that give you the greatest satisfaction?

Both: We feel glad because we help people!

Would you want to volunteer for this again? If so, why?

Both: Yes!

It is indeed evident that doing a good deed together as a family goes a long way! And we look forward to our next Flag Day where we hope that the spirit of togetherness within families will shine bright and together with the rest of our volunteers, Flag Day will be a huge success once again because of such great support.