The_King Posted December 25, 2020 Share Posted December 25, 2020 SINGAPORE - While most newlyweds look forward to their first home as a private space, one Singaporean couple is opening their doors to four families that need a temporary roof over their head. Social worker Joanne Ong, 26, and engineer Melvin Soon, 28, have taken in different families since their new home was renovated in August last year, even moving out in March so a family of seven stranded in Singapore could get shelter in their home. "We have always believed in helping others and after the stay of the third family, we realised our home is a place for sharing with others," said Ms Ong. In the spirit of community and giving this Christmas, the couple is hosting three groups in their five-room flat in Jurong West on different days this festive week. "We will host the children whom we have seen grow up through the years. We are fortunate to have been able to deepen our friendships with them and be positive role models to them," she added. Making a difference to those around them is the norm for for Ms Ong and Mr Soon. To mark their first year together while dating, they printed mugs and roped in their friends to celebrate Children's Day with underprivileged kids in different estates. During her university years, Ms Ong did volunteer work with children living in public rental flats. Learning about their challenges and resilience made an impact on her. She and her husband take life's small disappointments in their stride, turning them into opportunities to serve others. While viewing the flat in Jurong West, the two avid volunteers found that families they were helping were living nearby. "If we had bought a home in Punggol, the families we know here may find it difficult to visit us. This way we can meet them often," said Mr Soon. Their first guest family came soon after their home renovations were completed in August 2019. They stayed for a week while the couple continued to live with their parents. The second family stayed for two weeks. In March this year, Ms Ong and Mr Soon moved into their new home after their wedding. As Covid-19 cases spiked in Singapore and the country's borders were closed, they heard from friends about a family of seven from Brazil who were stranded here. The couple gave their home to the family to stay for two months while the duo moved in with friends. While there are challenges and inconveniences, the couple say they have no regrets. In the new year, Ms Ong and Mr Soon plan to invite their neighbours for a meal and get to know them. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO "We had thought about how we would feel if something was damaged in our newly-renovated home. But ultimately, we decided we could live with it, because we experienced the joy of helping others," said Mr Soon. They are now hosting a single mother with a child, sharing meals with them and even organising a surprise birthday party for her son. During this Christmas week, they have hosted two parties for the children Ms Ong has been mentoring since her university days. In the new year, they plan to invite their neighbours for a meal and get to know them. Said Ms Ong: "Living in an HDB estate, it's easy to lose the kampung spirit. We want to know our neighbours so that we can help and support each other in times of need." 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XianGe Posted December 25, 2020 Share Posted December 25, 2020 They probably hv not met leechers 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Londonchocolateroll Posted December 25, 2020 Share Posted December 25, 2020 I heard of altruistic people who volunteer or donate large sums of money but to temporarily give up their new homes to strangers and they themselves moved out is just beyond imagination. Our society need more people like them. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
socrates469bc Posted December 26, 2020 Share Posted December 26, 2020 she more sakti. she open her house to more than 10,000 kgks and kgbs last yr. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meng.huat Posted December 26, 2020 Share Posted December 26, 2020 7 hours ago, The_King said: Social worker Joanne Ong, 26, and engineer Melvin Soon, 28, have taken in different families since their new home was renovated in August last year, even moving out in March so a family of seven stranded in Singapore could get shelter in their home. 7 hours ago, The_King said: In the spirit of community and giving this Christmas, the couple is hosting three groups in their five-room flat in Jurong West on different days this festive week. Social worker + engineer couple, younger than 30, stay in 5 room BTO. I think they got very good family support. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huat Zai Posted December 26, 2020 Share Posted December 26, 2020 3 hours ago, meng.huat said: Social worker + engineer couple, younger than 30, stay in 5 room BTO. I think they got very good family support. Ah Sia Kia want to give back even better, we should courage more to do so. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satki Posted December 26, 2020 Share Posted December 26, 2020 Wait till they kena the east coast plan case. Die die refuse to move out Helping a friend to gain more subscribers. He is quite a talented music creator. Look for "Thee Influence" in Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XianGe Posted December 26, 2020 Share Posted December 26, 2020 10 minutes ago, Satki said: Wait till they kena the east coast plan case. Die die refuse to move out Got case? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satki Posted December 26, 2020 Share Posted December 26, 2020 Got rent landed but never pay up for 1 year Read on yahoo Sounded like the TW chap who also refuse to pay Helping a friend to gain more subscribers. He is quite a talented music creator. Look for "Thee Influence" in Youtube Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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