Cooked garlic and onions wafted through the kitchen, mingled with the strong nutty scent of sesame oil. It was especially hot and humid that morning, which was typical for Singapore all year round. I removed my gloves and splashed some alcohol on my hands as I glanced across the room. Everyone had masks on, some wore hairnets. A man sat on a wooden stool at the corner, his leg propped on his other knee, observing safe entry. A few women nestled closely in quiet chatter as they went through the motion of sorting, peeling, and chopping cabbage and potatoes, tossing them into colourfully mix-matched plastic containers. Two women were by the sink washing trays, sizable pots and pans, while another group sat around a round monoblock table peeling garlic with a knife at hand. Some people hurriedly carried boxes and worked on unpacking donated groceries.

It was an unremarkable room in a nondescript building, yet it was anything but ordinary. An air of calmness and quiet joy had emanated from this exceptional space as everyone banded together to prepare warm meals for those in need. Located in Jalan Ubi (north of Singapore), Willing Hearts is a veritable treasure of sorts to the less fortunate. The non-profit organisation provides meals to the elderly who live alone, the disabled, low-income families, and migrant workers. It operates a soup kitchen that prepares, cooks and distributes about 9,500 daily meals to over 40 locations island wide, 365 days a year.

I had the pleasure of meeting people who have volunteered at Willing Hearts. Friendly and with a cheery disposition, they worked on each task given without complaints. When asked about why they decided to volunteer, there were varied answers. For many, they were present because of their intrinsic desire to help. For R, she wanted to do something unique with her husband to cope with the ennui of the lockdown. She felt they needed a change from their regular routine. For V, she wanted to celebrate her birthday differently this year. With three of her friends in tow, they decided to make a day out of shredding cabbage. For M, delivering food and meeting the actual recipients made her feel more connected to Singapore.  While R, V, and M's participation started with a personal motive, it didn't diminish the small act of kindness they displayed. The long hours they worked and all the effort they put in to demonstrate their sincere intent to give back to the community.

The time spent at Willing Hearts has led to some realisations. For most of us, we view life with rose-coloured lenses thinking that everyone is doing well. That is far from the truth. With a hyperactive and busy lifestyle, we tend to become indifferent and fail to see that there are people who feel alone and who need our help within our very own neighbourhood. By chopping vegetables, washing a pan, carrying a box – these small, simple acts go a long way to brighten up someone's day and make them feel that they are never truly alone. The art of human kindness is not lost and can still be found if we stop and take a deeper look around us.

Tisha| ws

Images courtesy of Willing Hearts website | There is so much we can do to make a difference. Volunteer or donate. Visit willinghearts.org.sg for more information.