Living with daily news reports of natural disasters, rising prices and other problems, it is tempting to despair about life and retreat into our comfort zone to shut the bad news out. But this is not the case for Wilson and his fellow residents at the Springside and Springleaf estates.

“Many of us are grateful for the ‘extras’ we have and we believe in using our resources in community projects that cater to the needs of residents and boost the welfare of our neighbourhoods,” Wilson said.

Armed with this belief, they surveyed the Nee Soon Constituency and discovered that the poor, needy and elderly residents of Zone A would benefit from additional medical aid. They approached Ren Ai Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) Centre and pooled their resources together to set up a Ren Ai TCM Centre at Block 719 Yishun St 71.

“Our TCM Centre is open every Monday and Thursday. Anyone who comes is given consultation and four days supply of medicine free-of-charge,” Wilson explained.

Operated and funded by the Nee Soon South Zone A Residents’ Committee and Springleaf Neighbourhood Committee, this TCM Centre is a welcome addition in Nee Soon South. In particular, the needy residents of Zone A are deeply touched and they often refer to their Springleaf neighbours as ‘kind, generous guardians’.

“It is very meaningful to be able to help and give unconditionally to those who need it most. This makes community living special and it helps to build bonds that last beyond our lifetimes,” Wilson reflected.

However, community living is not ‘all work and no play’ for Wilson and his neighbours at Springleaf estate. Every year, they band together to celebrate major festivals like the Chinese Lunar New Year and the Lantern Festival. During these celebrations, they decorate their estate, cater food, organise entertainment programmes and invite residents from the other Nee Soon South neighbourhoods to join them.

“The kampong spirit is very much alive here. Among my neighbours, I know I can always find a friend to talk to or someone to help me in times of need. Besides this estate, there is nowhere else I would rather call home,” Wilson concluded.

Like Wilson, you can help turn your neighbourhood into a warm caring community. Contact your Neighbourhood or Residents’ Committee for ideas to get started.

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