This Father’s Day, we shine the spotlight on a special bond shared by a pair of volunteers. Meet Zack, who is in his mid-30s and his father, Mr Chan, who is in his mid-60s. The father-son team volunteers with Yishun Family Service @ Children’s Society (YFC).

When Zack was younger, he would follow his parents to do volunteer work. Inspired by his parents’ altruistic nature, he decided to do his part to give back to society as well. Zack started volunteering with us between 2011 and 2019 for YFC’s then-Sunbeam Friends Club with the facilitation of arts and crafts activities for the children. In 2022, he returned to volunteering and focused on the KidsRead programme, a nationwide reading programme to cultivate the love of reading among children aged 4 to 8 from less privileged families. When his father retired, Zack encouraged him to return to volunteering, reminiscing about the times when they first started volunteering together 😊. We spoke to Zack to find out more about him and his volunteering journey alongside his father.
Tell us more about yourself.
I’m in the oil and gas industry. I enjoy playing badminton, volleyball, computer games and watching anime. It doesn’t help that I am in my mid-30s, as my parents frequently wonder why I am still playing games and watching cartoons at this age.

Why did you decide to volunteer with our organisation?
I had some spare time after my National Service and wanted to reminisce about the times when I volunteered with my Dad as a young boy.
How has the relationship been with your father growing up?
I’m blessed to have a close relationship with my Dad growing up. We would do everything and go almost everywhere together, including accompanying him to work. Now that I’m a father myself, I realised how amazing it is that he was always available and there for us whenever we needed him while providing all we needed. He has set the bar high in terms of parenting and I aspire to be like him to my kids.
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We also spoke to his father, Mr Chan, who is now retired. Mr Chan mentioned that he was seeking volunteering opportunities and Zack took the chance to ask him to volunteer together! He also loves interacting with and helping children, hence he agreed to join his son in carrying out meaningful work with Children’s Society.
How does it feel to volunteer as a father and son duo?
It feels very special to volunteer together, especially during festive seasons and major ethnic holidays. We will design and plan how to decorate the centre, sort of like a side project that brings us together 😊.

What keeps you both motivated to continue volunteering with us?
We learn so much from the kids and it’s always a joy to see their smiles. Hanging out with other volunteers and social workers is something we look forward to as well.
We also asked Zack if he has any words to say to his Dad this Father’s Day.
Thank you so much for raising us all these years, Dad. You have always been a consistent and steadfast pillar for the family, even during the tough seasons in your life. You often say that you are lucky to have us as your kids, but the truth is we are a million times luckier to have you as our Dad!
If you’re reading this and are inspired to volunteer together with your loved ones, click here to view our available volunteer positions!
Click here to read the story in Chinese.
请点击此处阅读中文版本
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