Why be a Volunteer?
Listening | English and Chinese scripts are provided below and you can understand the content easier. https://www.youtube.com/@UpgradeEnglish
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is an honour to stand before you today as the recipient of this prestigious volunteer award. My name is Jonathan and I come from a humble background. Growing up in a grass-root family, I learnt the true meaning of happiness through helping others. For the past ten years, I have dedicated my weekends to serving in the nursing home and it has been a journey filled with joy, growth and unforgettable moments.
In the nursing home, I have had the privilege of organising various activities that bring joy and a sense of home to the elders. We play card games together, share laughs and create memories. Hosting dances has been another highlight, where we watch the elders rekindle their love for music and movement. Musical performances, both from visiting artists and ourselves, have filled the air with melodies that uplift spirits. Sometimes, simply sitting and chatting with them, listening to their stories and sharing our own have brought immense comfort and companionship.
These activities have not only brightened the lives of the elders but also brought significant benefits to them. Card games stimulate their minds and enhance cognitive functions while dances improve their physical health and coordination. Musical performances evoke cherished memories and emotional well-being. Engaging in conversations fosters a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Volunteering has profoundly impacted my life. It has taught me empathy, patience and the value of human connection. I have grown as an individual, gaining a deeper understanding of the world and the people around me. Volunteering has brought purpose and fulfillment to my life and I am grateful for every moment spent with these wonderful elders.
Volunteering not only benefits individuals but also strengthens communities as a whole. When people come together to support one another, it fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility. Volunteer efforts can address local issues, provide essential services and improve the quality of life for all members of the community. By giving our time and skills, we contribute to creating a more compassionate and supportive society.
Finding volunteer opportunities is easier than you might think. Local community centres, non-profit organisations and online platforms often post volunteer openings. Schools, religious institutions and workplaces may also organise volunteer programs. By reaching out to these resources, you can find opportunities that match your interests and availability. Remember, every small effort counts and can make a significant difference.
Volunteering has the power to inspire and transform lives. It allows us to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and gain new perspectives. It challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and develop new skills. Most importantly, it reminds us of the importance of kindness, compassion and giving back. Through volunteering, we become part of something greater than ourselves and that sense of purpose is truly life-changing.
I encourage each of you joining volunteer work. Giving back to society is not only a responsibility but also a source of immense satisfaction. We should remember that whatever we take from society, we must give back in return. Together, we can make a difference and create a more compassionate and caring world. Thank you.
CHINESE SCRIPTS
女士及先生們，今天作為這享有聲望的義工獎的獲得者，我很榮幸能站在您們面前。我叫喬納森，出身卑微，生長在基層家庭的我，透過幫助別人懂得了幸福的真諦。在過去的十年裡，我把週末都奉獻給了老人院，這是一段充滿歡樂、成長和難忘時刻的旅程。
在老人院，我有幸舉辦了各種活動，為長輩們帶來歡樂和家的感覺。我們一起玩紙牌遊戲、分享歡笑及創造回憶。舉辦舞會是另一個亮點，我們可以看到長輩們重新燃起對音樂和運動的熱愛，來訪藝術家和我們自己的音樂表演讓空氣中充滿了振奮精神的旋律。有時，只是坐下來和他們聊天，聽他們的故事及分享我們自己的故事，就已經帶來了巨大的安慰和陪伴。
這些活動不僅豐富了老人們的生活，也為老人們帶來了顯著的好處，紙牌遊戲可以刺激他們的思維並增強認知功能，而舞蹈則可以改善他們的身體健康和協調性，音樂表演喚起珍貴的回憶和情感上的幸福，閒談可以增強歸屬感並減少孤獨感。
義工服務深刻地影響了我的生活，它教會了我同理心、耐心和人際關係的價值，作為一個個體，我不斷成長，對世界和周圍的人有了更深入的了解。義工服務為我的生活帶來了目標和成就感，我很感激與這些優秀的長輩們度過的每一刻。
義工服務不僅使個人受益，還能增強整個社區的實力。當人們聚集在一起互相支持時，就會培養團結感和集體責任感。義工的努力可以解決本地問題，提供基本服務並改善社區所有成員的生活品質。透過貢獻我們的時間和技能，我們為創造一個更富有同情心和支持性的社會做出貢獻。
尋找義工機會比您想像的要容易，本地社區中心、非營利組織和網上平台經常發布義工職缺。學校、宗教機構和工作場所也可以組織義工計劃。透過利用這些資源，您可以找到符合您的興趣和空閒時間的機會。請記住，每一個微小的努力都很重要，並且可以產生重大影響。
義工服務具有激發和改變生活的力量，它使我們能夠與來自不同背景的人建立聯繫並獲得新的視角，它挑戰我們走出舒適圈並發展新技能。最重要的是，它提醒我們善良、同情和回饋的重要性。透過義工服務，我們成為比自己更偉大的一部分，這種使命感真正改變了生活。
我鼓勵您們每個人都參加義工工作，回饋社會不僅是一種責任，更是一種巨大的滿足感。我們應該記住，無論我們在社會獲取什麼，我們都必須回報社會。只要我們齊心協力，就能做出改變，創造一個更有同情心和關懷的世界。謝謝。