I woke up at 7.30am this morning, early for weekend, but for a good reason. Today was the launch of the cookbook "Patchwork of Flavours" and I had volunteered to help out at the sale.
"Patchwork of Flavours" is a recipe book. The project was initiated by volunteers from Regular Service Project (RSP) Elders, NTU Welfare Services Club (WSC), two years ago. It showcases traditional home made recipes of elderly living in the homes, heartland, and clans. There are 38 easy-to-follow recipes with nice colourful photos of the dishes (tho' abit ruin by the sponsors' products in the background). Volunteers tried cooking the dishes themselves! The proceeds from the book sales will be donated to four charitable organizations, "AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens" (where we volunteered back then!), "Kheng Chiu Loke Tin Kee Home", "Geylang East Home for the Aged", "Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme Singapore - RSVP".
The front cover,
The synopsis at the back,
A look inside the book!
And one of the recipes!
So why did I volunteer at this event? I was a volunteer with RSP Elders for four years back in uni-days. Tho' seldom go down to home these days, still can help out in such ad-hoc events. Especially since this special project started out as a RSP Elders initiative, the alumni should help out! And it was a good chance to meet up with fellow alumni volunteers too. So many of my juniors joining my company soon! I will probably talk more about volunteering at Elders and other WSC activities next time... Afterall, it was one of the three things which my life revolved around during uni-days.
Started out kinda rusty. It had been quite a while since I approached strangers for charity act. I was quite nervous at first. After the first auntie bought the book, it all came back! In fact it was much easier than expected. Perhaps its for charity, or the goodies bags that come with the purchase. Perhaps aunties at Toa Payoh HDB Hub are mostly friendly and stop by to ask, so we just had to explain. =) Or perhaps I am good with aunties lah. Wahahaha. Some unlikely customers were just waiting for us to explain to them. And in many cases, I approached them and they bought the cookbook! It was fun selling the book, cuz in the process I got to talk to these elderly, much like when I went down to the Home. Tho' some may not buy, it was fun just talking to them. They tell me their stories, about their kids disliking their cooking, not staying with them, blahblah. It was fun getting their attention, and giving them my attention! I guess that is why I like to volunteer with the elderly bah.
Anyway I think the sales went well bah. The initial enthusiasm slowly disappeared after lunch. I was more of a spectator watching the performances on the stage, than a volunteer selling the book. LOL. I think must be old le lah. Btw, one tip for guys organising such kinda event that require volunteer to approach strangers, make sure you rotate your volunteers for rest once every 2-3 hours. Re-charged volunteers can contribute more! Good thinking to shift the cash register out facing the crowd, easier to make transactions! All in all, well done guys!!! Woohoo!
So anyone interested to get a copy? If you cook, it'll be of great help to learn more dishes! If you don't, good chance to learn. If you refuse to cook, you can ask your girlfriend or wife to cook! If they refuse to cook too, it'll make good present for your mum or mother-in-law. Wahahaha. And all in the name of charity. So many reasons to buy right? The Chinese version will be available in August. Do drop me a mail or sms if you are interested.
And also anyone interested to volunteer? I suddenly feel like volunteering again. Especially when I don't have to work so hard, giving tuitions, during the weekends. Regardless, I think it is important to find some good companies to volunteer together. Just like old times. So also let me know if you are interested bah. We can participate in some ad-hoc events like this or activities for other beneficiaries.
"Patchwork of Flavours" is a recipe book. The project was initiated by volunteers from Regular Service Project (RSP) Elders, NTU Welfare Services Club (WSC), two years ago. It showcases traditional home made recipes of elderly living in the homes, heartland, and clans. There are 38 easy-to-follow recipes with nice colourful photos of the dishes (tho' abit ruin by the sponsors' products in the background). Volunteers tried cooking the dishes themselves! The proceeds from the book sales will be donated to four charitable organizations, "AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens" (where we volunteered back then!), "Kheng Chiu Loke Tin Kee Home", "Geylang East Home for the Aged", "Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme Singapore - RSVP".
The front cover,
Started out kinda rusty. It had been quite a while since I approached strangers for charity act. I was quite nervous at first. After the first auntie bought the book, it all came back! In fact it was much easier than expected. Perhaps its for charity, or the goodies bags that come with the purchase. Perhaps aunties at Toa Payoh HDB Hub are mostly friendly and stop by to ask, so we just had to explain. =) Or perhaps I am good with aunties lah. Wahahaha. Some unlikely customers were just waiting for us to explain to them. And in many cases, I approached them and they bought the cookbook! It was fun selling the book, cuz in the process I got to talk to these elderly, much like when I went down to the Home. Tho' some may not buy, it was fun just talking to them. They tell me their stories, about their kids disliking their cooking, not staying with them, blahblah. It was fun getting their attention, and giving them my attention! I guess that is why I like to volunteer with the elderly bah.
Anyway I think the sales went well bah. The initial enthusiasm slowly disappeared after lunch. I was more of a spectator watching the performances on the stage, than a volunteer selling the book. LOL. I think must be old le lah. Btw, one tip for guys organising such kinda event that require volunteer to approach strangers, make sure you rotate your volunteers for rest once every 2-3 hours. Re-charged volunteers can contribute more! Good thinking to shift the cash register out facing the crowd, easier to make transactions! All in all, well done guys!!! Woohoo!
So anyone interested to get a copy? If you cook, it'll be of great help to learn more dishes! If you don't, good chance to learn. If you refuse to cook, you can ask your girlfriend or wife to cook! If they refuse to cook too, it'll make good present for your mum or mother-in-law. Wahahaha. And all in the name of charity. So many reasons to buy right? The Chinese version will be available in August. Do drop me a mail or sms if you are interested.
And also anyone interested to volunteer? I suddenly feel like volunteering again. Especially when I don't have to work so hard, giving tuitions, during the weekends. Regardless, I think it is important to find some good companies to volunteer together. Just like old times. So also let me know if you are interested bah. We can participate in some ad-hoc events like this or activities for other beneficiaries.
Comments
100 bucks meal voucher!OOOHHHHH!