Riding High on Doing Good – SC/SGT Tay Guan Joo, Nathaniel, CE Officer at TY NPC, devotes most of his weekends to community work.
TEXT: AJ LEOW
PHOTOGRAPHY: VERNON WONG
My devotion to volunteering stems from my parents’ example. They were always seeking out the old and needy and buying food for them.
In secondary school, I joined The Boys’ Brigade, whose annual Share-a-Gift project helps the less fortunate during the Christmas season. In ITE, I was a racial harmony youth ambassador with South East CDC.
While serving as a security personnel at Prison HQ during NS, I was part of a project that helped 12 inmates at Sembawang Drug Rehabilitation Centre (DRC). I also helped build a Learning Centre in Cambodia. Later, at Temasek Polytechnic, I was an events organiser and student ambassador.
My Home Team NS experience saw me providing advice on route safety and security measures for road races. I also oversaw the deployment of vehicles for events like the Chingay Parade processions, which can involve up to 400 buses.
In 2011, I started a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, now known as Wheels Of Love.
The initiative seeks to:
(1) promote safe motorcycle riding habits,
(2) develop a community of like-minded enthusiasts, and
(3) improve the image of riders
We now have members and sponsors coming together to conduct outreach programmes for the less privileged.
Last year, a convoy of 128 motorcycles visited the Sunshine Welfare Action Mission Home. We raised about $11,000 on top of donating nine geriatric chairs, three commode chairs, and 242 sets of pyjamas.
I am currently a road safety champion with the SPF, helping to promote road safety during public roadshows and campaigns.
Volunteers’ expectations and unforeseen crises can be challenging, but the soft skills I have picked up over time have come in handy. Every successful event makes me feel accomplished, and drives me to do even more for the community.
