As the festive lights twinkled across the island and the carols began to chime, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) brought back Gifts from the Heart: A Community celebration.
From 1 to 24 December, this community-led initiative invited shoppers and supporters to turn their holiday errands into acts of kindness. Spread across five locations in Singapore, the gift-wrapping booths were not only a convenience but a celebration of the spirit of giving.
What started as a modest single-booth effort has blossomed into a nationwide volunteer-driven movement. Today, the "Gifts from the Heart" booths are staffed by dedicated volunteers who pour their time and care into every fold and bow.
Members of the public had their presents beautifully wrapped in bespoke Singapore Red Cross (SRC) stationery for a minimum donation of $2 per gift. All donations made during this period were matched by the Tote Board as part of the Be Our Champion for Humanity Campaign. In addition to the wrapping service, the booths featured exclusive merchandise like the SRC x Peanuts™ collection that doubles as a gift with a purpose.
Photo: SRC Ambassador Karen Liew at the Chinatown Point booth with some of our volunteers
Every donation and contribution made supports SRC’s local humanitarian efforts, providing a lifeline for:
- Seniors living alone
- Children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Persons with disabilities
- Families-in-need who fall through the cracks of social services
The initiative has also been supported by familiar faces who believe in the cause. Mediacorp Personality and SRC Ambassador Jean Danker came down to Velocity on 18 December to personally wrap presents at the booth.
Jean, who has volunteered at the booths annually, shares that the experience is as rewarding for the wrappers as it is for the donors. She also added that participating in the gift wrapping booth is not only an opportunity to hone her skills but meet her supporters in person. She fondly recalls a recent encounter with two of her biggest supporters, a father-daughter duo who dropped by just to catch up and share their life updates.
Photos: Mediacorp Personality and SRC Ambassador Jean Danker wrapping gifts on 18 December at Velocityby James Tan, volunteer photographer
For Jean, the initiative was the perfect way to blend the hustle of Christmas shopping with meaningful action,make a donation and have a chance to purchase some exclusive SRC merchandise.
"It’s a chance to do some good in the midst of getting your shopping done,” she said.
The same can also be said for fellow Mediacorp Personality and SRC Ambassador Edward Russell who joined the gift-wrapping festivities on 23 December. Edward found the experience eye-opening and rewarding, noting how moving it was to see the reactions of those receiving donations. He observed that even a relatively small care package can be deeply meaningful and life-changing for the recipients.
“It was a great way to give back to the community and those who need more care during Christmas,” he added, noting with a chuckle that he also hoped to improve his own gift-wrapping skills.
Photos: Mediacorp Personality and SRC Ambassador Edward Russell engaging in the gift wrapping festivities on 23 December at Velocity
Thank you Jean, Edward and all our volunteers for their time and effort in adding cheer and making the festive season jolly and meaningful for all.