Imagine this: Gerald, 29, wants to give back to the community, much like he did in university. But his work and family commitments make it difficult for him to follow the fixed schedules of the Active Ageing Centre near his home. He also finds ad hoc volunteering unsatisfying because the interactions are too brief to feel meaningful.

At the same time, his neighbour, Mr Lee, 75, needs help taking his elderly spouse for a polyclinic check-up. Gerald would gladly assist – if only he knew about it. 

This piece was first published in The Straits Times on 31 Dec 2025.