George Tai's first interaction with Singapore Red Cross (SRC) was during his internship with a food delivery company when SRC approached the company for a collaboration. That experience led him to glean better insight into SRC's humanitarian work and core values while reinforcing his realisation of his strong desire to contribute to the community. George pursued a rewarding career in the social services sector, building his portfolio in community management, corporate and organisational engagement, marketing and project coordination. He returned to the SRC in 2021, as a Donor and Volunteer Manager with the Blood Donor Programme. 

Beyond his work, George Tai enjoys jamming with his bandmates on the bass guitar, gaming or cartooning. 

The Journey with Red Cross thus far

George embarked on his career in social services with the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), after collaborating with them as an intern in a food delivery company. Upon learning about SRC's mission, vision, and humanitarian services, George was inspired by its humanitarian work. Despite its limited resources, the food delivery start-up that he was interning at supported SRC through various discounts and promotional codes for its Family LifeAid beneficiaries who struggle financially to put food on the table for their families and ElderAid beneficiaries who live alone.

Contrary to the perceived sacrificial nature of social services work that would lead many to eschew a career in the sector, his first brush with the SRC proved to be both memorable and deeply fulfilling. Naturally, when a full-time position at the SRC became available in 2015, he jumped at the opportunity. He recounts fondly that the interview was akin to a discussion among like-minded individuals who yearned to do their part to make the world a better place. As an executive in the Membership & Volunteer Development department, George was involved with volunteer recruitment, deployment and management, where he enjoyed interacting with volunteers from all walks of life. 

In 2017, another opportunity presented itself in corporate and organisational engagement through sales, marketing and employment of beneficiaries, with another non-profit organisation. He later returned to SRC in April 2021, as its mission and vision continue to resonate with him deeply.

Fuelled by his passion for volunteer management, George is now with the Blood Donor Programme (BDP), where he is involved in blood donation advocacy as a Donor and Volunteer Manager. Besides liaising with the bloodmobile organises for blood drives and running campaigns for the BDP, George also recruits, deploys, recognises, motivates and retains volunteers who support BDP in donor servicing, administrative support and coordination roles. He also advocates blood donation through corporate and organisational engagement. 

The Pursuit of Passion

From my conversation with George, it was evident to me that he had found his career in social services greatly rewarding; and is a strong advocate of ensuring there is no discrimination in supporting those who are in need. Of the Seven Fundamental Principles the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement upholds, voluntary service resonates most with him. He remains continually inspired by the fact that many volunteers have no ulterior motive for offering assistance other than their desire to help others, and he perceives this as a powerful assertion of solidarity. 

George feels it is important that volunteers are assigned roles that are aligned with their interests and comfort levels. In doing so, volunteers are more engaged and naturally feel more empowered to take on and explore more volunteering commitments, just as how he was inspired as an intern way back in 2015. 

"I found joy when volunteers recounted their meaningful volunteering experiences. They provided feedback that the volunteering experience was personally fulfilling, even as they were being of service to others and making a difference in the community. I believe that a happy volunteer is as important as a happy beneficiary," he shares.

Navigating the Challenges

BDP grappled with significant challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. At the onset, blood donors were understandably concerned about donating blood amid the outbreak. However, with stringent safe distancing and sanitation measures put in place, these concerns were addressed. To ensure sustainability, BDP also reached out to new and potential bloodmobile organisers, worked closely with the Community Centres (CC) to organise blood drives and educated the public on the importance of blood donation via social media platforms and campaigns. 

“It is essential to bolster the strength of our community in Singapore, especially during this period when we are all isolated by the pandemic. With potential and recurring blood donors' support, not only do you save lives but also nurture a resilient nation," George passionately affirms. 

He encourages more volunteers passionate about the lifesaving cause of blood donation to encourage others to step forward as blood donors, who are the backbone of the BDP. There are also various volunteering opportunities in donor servicing roles and administration, including office support, tele-recruitment and data entry. 

In addition, he encourages those with the heart to do good to join the social service sector. 

"The social service profession provides people with the opportunity to make a positive change in our community, in the present and for the future. The work is also very meaningful, personally fulfilling and unexpectedly fun, as we interact with people from all walks of life while developing and learning essential skills," he said. 

If you happen to run into George, he is always open to sharing more insights about his life as a Donor and Volunteer Manager, or the treasured anecdotes he has received from volunteers whom he has engaged, trained and worked with. 

By Himani M, Volunteer
Copyedited by Ruth Lee, Volunteer