ESN Carnival, a cruise trip back to our kampong days

The SATS- ESN Carnival this year was a big hit with generous sponsorship and hundreds of volunteers from SATS (hence the name). The Carnival was held at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, a very spacious and well-equipped venue. Kudos to ESN organisers and SATS!
Now let's follow the elderly on their half-day trip at the carnival. The atmosphere was joyous from the moment the residents were lifted up to the bus. They were ready for a day of good food and fun!

The residents arrived safe and sound at the Cruise Centre thanks to this team of wonderful volunteers comprises of both our regular volunteers and SATS employees. I'm sure everybody made a lot of memories that day. 

It's finally time for fun games. Each resident was given $20 coupons. The coupons can be used for food, vast choices of games, photos, karaoke and even shopping. Following the resident-volunteer pairs, we saw many smiles and listened to many meaningful conversations. The residents could exercise too while playing the games and winning attractive prizes.

This mama shop sells the cheapest stuff in town! And they sell anything from towels to bags to canned food.

And the list of booths go on, even consisting of a barber corner

Saving the best for last, presenting to you All Saints Home Tampines Game booth! Designed and decorated by Pierce and manned by enthusiastic volunteers like Liberty and Zendy, our booth was one of the most visited booth at the carnival.

After singing and playing with all their might, the residents were treated with typical Singapore delicacies served by SATS chefs. Wow!

Meal time is great bonding time. These photos prove that language barrier is no barrier when it comes to volunteering.

Besides food and games, the residents had a chance to enjoy performances from VGC (Volunteer Guitar Connection). In addition, NTU Risk Management Society with their lightning speed photoshop skills provided photo-taking service for the beneficiaries with this trishaw sponsored by Trisaw Uncle Singapore. 

ASH(Tampines) also fought hard in the "Show Us Your Talent"competition with our miniband together with our diva and divo residents.

The carnival also gives the volunteer the opportunity to meet and chat up with fellow volunteers they have not met for a long time!

Before heading back to the respective agencies, some of the residents received lucky draw prizes. What a good day!

Team photo at the entrance to mark the end of a fulfilling day at the SATS-ESN Carnival. See you next year!

Bonus: Our dear Cameraman Benny in action. He was busy running around that day. Actually not that day only :D