Dear Friends,
OVERVIEW
“Our Movement”
Participants of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and members of Waterways Watch Society (WWS) are increasingly concerned about the pervasive presence of plastic items in our waterways and litter on the ground. It is disheartening to witness the environmental damage caused by single-use plastic waste. It seems that not enough people are taking responsibility to reduce their plastic usage and contribute to our National Litter Collection efforts. By working together, raising awareness, and promoting responsible practices, we can make a positive impact on the environment and reduce plastic pollution in our waterways.
This week, we want to emphasise the importance of movement towards positive change by spreading our word and cause. On Wednesday 26 July 2023, Eugene (Founder of Waterways Watch Society), accompanied by Cheryl, was invited as the main speaker for Business Families Institute (BFI) @SMU in partnership with CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) to host Chinese delegation of up to 35 EMBA students for their visit to Singapore, as part of their 4-day overseas learning journey. The event hosted a Chinese delegation of 35 EMBA students, comprising senior-level corporate leaders and business executives from diverse sectors. The panel discussion, titled “Understanding Singapore’s Education System & Public Water Development – Successes & Challenges,” took place at Marina Barrage. We are excited to spread our cause beyond the local community (as we do so everyday through our programmes) and reach people from all over the world.
Internally, last Tuesday 25 July, we also conducted an important SCDF Training on firefighting and first aid skills for our ordinary members/volunteers and admin staff at WWS. This session was organised by one of our valuable members, Zikri (a regular volunteer at WWS and works in SCDF), who has been a dedicated supporter of our cause for about eight years. During the training, participants learned about common fire hazards within our area and the potential consequences of such hazards. Additionally, they received training in Basic CPR & AED (MyResponder App) and had hands-on experience with fire extinguishers. At WWS, safety is our utmost priority, and we believe in ensuring the well-being of all our members and program participants.
As we approach our 58 National Day, let us all strive for a cleaner, greener future and inspire others to join our cause. Make the pledge this National Day – Say no to single-use plastic! Let us take a stand this National Day and for a start make a pledge to eliminate single-use plastics!
Summary of Activities conducted for the Week
In summary, the following activities were done for this week:
- We conducted 7 CSR and 1 VIA programs which were attended by 151 participants, and together they collected a total of 394 kg of litter. It was a hectic week for us.
- This week a total of 57 members were involved in CSR/VIA programs, talk, patrols, administration, housekeeping duties, and training.
- The total trash collected by the patrol groups was 79 kg.
- Boat Patrol. 4 boat patrols were carried out; 1 at Marina, 2 at Lakeside and 1 at Punggol.
- Bike Patrol. A total of 2 Bike patrols were carried out; 1 at Marina and 1 at Punggol.
- Pedal boat Patrol. A total of 2 Pedal Boat Patrols were carried out at Marina.
- Foot Patrol. 1 Foot Patrol was carried out at Pang Sua.
Once again, we sincerely thank all members and volunteers, who came for patrol or for facilitating the CSR/VIA programs, for your time and dedication to the task. Without your support we would not have been able to achieve this.
ACTIVITIES AND REPORT
1. Educational Programmes
2. Volunteer Patrols & Activities
a. Marina
b. Punggol
c. Lakeside
d. Pang Sua Pond
