Kateryna, a first-time volunteer, approached the Project HomeWorks initiative with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Despite living in a wealthy society like Singapore, she was surprised by the extent of need within the community and was eager to contribute. Reflecting on her experience volunteering alongside her colleagues, she shared her insights and emotions.
"I was excited but also curious about how I could make a meaningful impact," Kateryna recalled. During the session, she engaged in cleaning and painting tasks throughout the beneficiary's home. This hands-on experience prompted deep reflection on her participation in the volunteering programme. "The experience was eye-opening and exceeded my expectations. I was deeply moved by how much even small actions can positively impact someone's life," she shared. "The challenging part was realizing how many people in Singapore are still in real need despite the country's wealth."
Having lived and worked in Singapore for over a decade, this experience was a sobering reminder of a reality she hadn't seen before.
"This experience opened my eyes to a side of Singapore I hadn't seen before and reminded me of the importance of community support. It made me happy to be able to contribute and be part of a meaningful initiative."
The most rewarding aspect for Kateryna was witnessing the homeowners' heartfelt gratitude. "Witnessing the homeowners’ gratitude and knowing our team and I made a difference was incredibly fulfilling," she said. She firmly believes that the team's efforts that day improved the homeowners' quality of life, making their homes safer and more comfortable.
Enthusiastic about future involvement, Kateryna expressed her desire to continue volunteering. "Definitely! It was a humbling and fulfilling experience, and I'd love to contribute again. Probably next year."
