Volunteer CARE-nival

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Distinguished guests, dear befrienders and volunteers, community partners,

A very good morning to all of you.

Opening & acknowledgement

1. Today, as we gather for the inaugural Volunteer CARE-nival, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you — our MUIS-Mosque Befrienders, FITRAH volunteers, and valued partners who have come together to make this meaningful event possible. This reflects not only your commitment to serve, in fact when you serve, many people do not know that you are serving. In addition, your presence and commitment is a collective strength of how our community is very rooted to compassion, resilience and above all care.

Expressing appreciation to MUIS-Mosque Befrienders & FITRAH volunteers

2. Allow me to begin by expressing heartfelt appreciation to all 600 MUIS-Mosque Befrienders who form the backbone of this vital network.

3. Today, 469 of you are actively serving across Singapore — from the East to the West, the North to the South — reaching hearts and homes across every district. This wide coverage shows that the spirit of service truly lives within our community.

4. In 2024 alone, our Befrienders carried out 2,000 home visits — each visit representing more than just a number. It is a gesture of compassion, a moment of listening, and a bridge of connection for those who may feel alone. These acts, though small in appearance, embody the heart and resilience of our volunteers who uplift lives every single day.

5. A special note of gratitude also goes to our 226 active FITRAH volunteers, comprising 116 Religious Counsellors and 110 Community Befrienders.

6. Your work goes beyond social and emotional support — you bring spiritual guidance, reassurance, and hope. You remind us that no one in our community should ever be left behind. Your dedication embodies the compassion that lies at the very heart of FITRAH’s mission.

Building caring and resilient volunteers

7. As we celebrate your contributions, MUIS also continues to invest in your growth — because caring for others begins with caring for those who serve.

8. This year marks the second run of the Senior Befrienders (SBF) Modular Training, offering opportunities for more Befrienders to deepen their understanding and skills through its three-module programme.

9. We are also proud to launch two new Level 2 trainings in 2025 — Reflective Listening and Caregiving Workshop — designed to strengthen empathy, communication, and resilience among volunteers.

10. Through these initiatives, we hope to nurture caring and confident volunteers equipped for long-term, meaningful service.

Fitrah's volunteer-led programmes

11. We also take pride in FITRAH’s volunteer-led initiatives, which demonstrate compassion in action and the power of giving back.

12. Since 2022, through the Monthly Food Pack Distribution, FITRAH volunteers — many of whom are desistors and their families — have been delivering food packs to around 200 families each month.

13. This programme is not just about providing essentials; it is a symbol of redemption, trust, and renewal — where those once supported by the community now uplift others with dignity and purpose.

14. Equally inspiring is the Insan Mukmin Programme, where a group of dedicated volunteers undergo about 1.5 months of Phase 3 activities in mosques, followed by six months of befriending work with individuals.

15. This long-term commitment reflects a powerful blend of spiritual enrichment and practical care — a model of volunteerism that touches both hearts and lives.

16. Our Befriending for Reintegration efforts are another cornerstone of this compassionate network. Volunteers, together with our asatizah, fellow Mosque Religious Officers who walk alongside ex-offenders upon their release, offering pro-social support and encouragement as they rebuild their lives.

17. This partnership between mosques, religious officers, and volunteers forms a safe and welcoming circle — one that gives individuals a second chance and sense of belonging.

18. You have heard the many programmes and services organised by our Befrienders and FITRAH volunteers, let’s put our hands together in appreciation of their efforts.

Gratitude for collective effort & celebration

19. Last year, our Befrienders’ Learning Day could only accommodate about 160 participants due to limited space.

20. Today’s Volunteer CARE-nival marks a new milestone — an event designed to recognise and celebrate all our volunteers across both MUIS-Mosque Befrienders and FITRAH.

21. Every act of service matters, and this celebration is one of our ways of saying — we see you, we appreciate you, and you matter. Your efforts are the heartbeat of our caring community.

Acknowledging partners and supporters

22. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to our partners and vendors who made this event possible through their generous support. Your contributions have added vibrancy, value, and joy to this inaugural CARE-nival.

23. Our heartfelt thanks go to: Health Promotion Board (HPB), SportSG, Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Enabling Services Hub, LEAP Entrepreneurs, District South Thread Up, Islamic Legacy Planning, HUFI, Artusik, and Bee & Bloom.

24. Your partnership reflects the spirit of collaboration that keeps our community strong — where organisations and individuals come together to honour and celebrate those who serve.

Closing message

25. As we continue our journey together, let us remember that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. And we went through the morning exercise that shows us, a healthy body and mind is important for us to help others.

26. A resilient volunteer is one who is supported, valued, and nurtured — and through that strength, we can uplift even more lives.

27. Together, through every visit, every prayer, every act of kindness, and every collaboration, we are building a community rooted in care, compassion, and confidence.

28. Thank you once again to all our volunteers and partners. May Allah reward your sincerity and bless your continued efforts to serve and uplift our community.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.