In its endeavour to make Singapore society more caring and cohesive, RSVP Singapore has launched an initiative named ‘Retire with a Purpose’ today. They have urged people of at least 45 years of age to come forward and serve the community.
The initiative was launched at ITE College Central.
The ‘Organisation of Senior Volunteers Singapore’ has encouraged more employees of this group for advancing the cause of the community. The main idea is for older employees to partner RSVP Singapore for volunteer opportunities with various organisations through their companies.
Employees who are interested in retirement planning and supporting community causes will be introduced to a structured volunteering journey based on their interests, time commitments and goals over a five-month period.
Chan Chun Sing, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Office who was present at the event, said, “Senior volunteers can contribute their time and talent to help build a more caring and cohesive society, just like every Singaporean.”
He added, “I'm happy that RSVP Singapore is looking to promote senior volunteerism by working with organisations to expose our mature workers to volunteering opportunities through structured programmes. Such programmes would give them a sense of mission and empowerment.”
National Survey of Senior Citizens have found that among those aged 55 and above, only six per cent reported volunteering in the last 12 months. The figure was lower among those aged 65 and above – only five per cent reported volunteering in the past year.