RCY was never a dream co-curricular activity for Ms Richelle Lim. In fact, her decision to join the Singapore Red Cross Youth was purely pragmatic — she simply wanted the bonus CCA points for her O-Levels. However, that same reserved and quiet girl is now being recognised with the prestigious President’s Youth Award for being a most outstanding cadet. What happened?

It all began with “Just join the Red Cross”. Her mother’s nonchalant suggestion sealed the deal for 13-year-old Richelle Lim. She didn’t expect, or want, anything more than those two bonus CCA points. 

“Back in Sec 1, I was quiet, reserved, and timid. If you’d told me back then that I’d one day be leading a unit of 56 cadets, I would’ve laughed and said ‘No way!’”

Yet, her beginning was not her story. Over the past four years, Richelle has grown from a wallflower into a confident leader, serving as a Chairperson of her Red Cross Youth (RCY) unit at Serangoon Secondary School. She also held the role of Assistant Head of Events in her school’s Prefectorial Board Executive Committee.

She attributes her transformation to the pivotal experiences fuelled by the various RCY hallmark programmes like the Gold Modular Workshop (GMW), the Unit Leader Programme (ULP), and the Red Cross Youth Challenge (RCYC).

“These programmes not only taught me the importance of high standards and discipline, but also that a good leader balances expectations with fun. And it is through these experiences that I met passionate people from other schools who shared the same love for RCY. Along the way, I built lasting friendships and discovered what it truly means to be part of a community that serves with purpose.”

From Her Grateful Heart

Richelle recalls a memorable humanitarian experience that occurred around the annual Grateful Hearts Day, a fundraising initiative by the Singapore Red Cross for their beneficiaries. The cadets were tasked to raise funds as part of the event. Wanting to personalise her fundraiser, Richelle decided to bake cookies for her mother to sell at her workplace. Her mother’s colleagues’ generosity and kind words in response to the fundraising initiative moved her.  

“It showed me that even as students, we don’t have to wait until we’re older or ‘more experienced’ to make a difference. Small efforts like these, when combined, can have a big impact. That experience inspired me to keep finding ways to contribute, no matter how big or small.”

And The Award Goes To

“Receiving this award fills me with both honour and gratitude. RCY has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not just to grow as a leader, but as a person. I owe so much to the people who have been with me on this journey: my Secondary Four batch mates who always had my back, the Volunteer Instructors who guided me, the Youth Officers who taught me lessons I’ll carry for life, and the cadets of Serangoon Secondary School RCY. You are the reason I continue to lead with pride.”

All You Need is an Open Mind

“Yes, RCY has discipline, drills, and high standards. But it’s so much more than that! You’ll learn practical, life-saving skills like first aid, which you can use anytime to help someone in need. You’ll attend camps like RCYC, which will push you out of your comfort zone and allow you to meet people from all over Singapore and beyond. 

I may not have known why I joined, but I know exactly why I chose to stay. I stayed because of the skills I’ve gained, the friendships I’ve built, and the confidence I’ve developed. If you join with an open mind and a willingness to learn, you’ll leave with lessons, experiences, and memories that will stay with you for life.”