Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
“They Came, They Had Fun, They Learned”
WWS Carnival 2023!
Sunday 26 Feb was “business as usual at Kallang Waterways Watch society but, with a difference!” Yes, the volunteers came but it was not to do the regular weekend patrols. They came with their families and friends to allow them a sampling of the work they do so passionately and diligently not only at Kallang but at Punggol and Lakeside Garden. About 500 guests including children came and they went on boats, pedal boats and kayaks to enjoy the beautiful sunshine and the sights of the Marina and Kallang Basin and equally important, they learned about the implications of litter in our water (More photos on pages 10 & 11). The children especially learned about conserving water and protecting the environment in another fun way too, yes, playing ‘Snake and Ladder’. It was a day of fun, socialising with enriched interactions and learning. Everyone was treated to free ice cream, hot dogs and kachang puteh. Everybody had their fill of the day and left happy and enriched without doubt as shown in some of the compliments received:
● WWS Tay Truman: A big “Thank You” to the organising committee for a fun carnival, now my wife has a better idea what I have been volunteering at WWS 👍🙏
● Genevieve YIP: Yes a big big thank you to the organising committee and volunteers today. My son and niece had such a blast. Weather was absolutely perfect for the rides! I’m very happy my family got to see what I get up to when volunteering!
● WWS Anthony Phua: It’s a good experience and humble by the great representation by fellow volunteers….eye opening for my friend too….likely she will join the lakeside team😅
We were also honoured to have Mr. Liak Teng Lit (former CEO Khoo Teck Puat Hospital/Chairman Public Hygiene Council) visiting us at the Carnival. He is an avid environmentalist, and is a champion for a clean and green Singapore. He led the launch of the Keep Singapore Clean Movement in September 2012 to raise awareness on the state of cleanliness in Singapore. Thank you Mr Liak for your presence.
Punggol Waterways Watch Society turned 9-years old on 23 Feb!
While we are celebrating 25 years this year since our registration in 1998, we are 9 years old for our first satellite branch at Punggol. We started humbly in February 2014 with a few members and equipment but now, we have 3 patrol boats, 15 kayaks, 12 bicycles and conduct regular patrol duties every Wednesday morning and on Saturday afternoon.
Summary of Activities conducted for the Week
In summary, the following activities were done for the week:
- We conducted 3 CSR programmes, comprising 3 kayak activities and 1 foot activity. They were attended by 120 participants, and together they collected a total of 113 kg of litter.
- We conducted an Assembly Talk at a school which was attended by about 1000 students and staff.
- The highlight of the week was the in-house carnival which was attended by about 500 family members and friends of our volunteers.
- This week a total of 122 members were involved for CSR/VIA programmes, talk, patrols, administration, housekeeping duties and including the in-house carnival and, the total trash collected = 133 kg.
- Boat Patrol. A total of 3 Boat patrols were carried out; 1 at Marina, 1 at Punggol and 1 at Lakeside.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 1 Bike patrol was carried out at Punggol.
- Foot Patrol. No Foot Patrol was conducted.
- Pedal boat Patrol. 1 Pedal Boat patrol was conducted at Marina.
Once again, we thank all members and volunteers, who came for patrol or for facilitating the CSR/VIA programmes over the week and especially to help run the in-house carnival on Sunday. Your time and dedication to the task is very much appreciated.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
Educational Programme
Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
e. Pang Sua Pond
f. Yishun Pond
