OBS youth volunteers get awards for effort

More than 50 youth volunteers have received awards from Outward Bound Singapore (OBS) in recognition of their community service effort.

The OBS Volunteers Appreciation Ceremony, held at Tampines East Community Club on Saturday, recognised the group's alumni members who had contributed to the community through various post-course community service projects.

These ranged from organising outings to the park for elderly wheelchair users to art and craft and sing-a-long sessions for disadvantaged children and planning a camp for at-risk youth from the Singapore Children's Society.

Trained nurse Noreen Taha was one of the volunteers who helped organise an outing to the park for senior citizens in wheelchairs.

Spending time with the seniors "made me realise that we often take doing daily activities such as a stroll in the park for granted", said Ms Noreen, who is 28. "To these seniors, an outing to the park is not a daily affair."

Those who qualified for the awards "demonstrated commitment and contribution to the community", said OBS in its statement on Saturday night.

All the award recipients are part of the OBS Alumni network, which was formed in 2012 for past participants of the organisation to network and engage in alumni-initiated community projects.

OBS director Nicholas Conceicao said he was proud of the alumni members who had set aside time to help others and their peers, adding that it was a commendable effort from all of them.

"To all youth out there, I urge you to take a chance at volunteering. It is indeed a very rewarding journey," he added.

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