By Kuah Sze Min, Shermaine (22J09), Clarissa Chua (22J10) and Lo Pui Yee (22J14)
While many of us were awaiting the arrival of the new year at the comfort of our homes on the last day of 2022 (31 December 2022), a team of 102 RVians came down to help liven up the annual Boon Lay Countdown celebration.
Post countdown at main stage
Over the course of several months, our student volunteers displayed care and compassion through intricately planning and executing. We successfully transformed the outdoor space into a street bazaar with game and photo booths.
Our hospitality team helped make this event all inclusive as we brought the wheelchair-bound residents to take part in the festivities. It is thanks to our first aiders and crowd controllers who ensured our safety and order of incoming participants.
Hospitality volunteers
The organising committee faced initial difficulties, such as being able to secure performances due to the event being held during the festive season.
“Nonetheless, I took this as an opportunity to reach out to talented RVians to display their talent at the countdown,” said Ryan Koh (most rightward), 22J08, co-chairperson of the Boon Lay Countdown Executive Committee.
Ryan Koh (most rightward) poses while receiving an appreciation certificate
And indeed our very own emcees and performers helped brighten up the event with their infectious enthusiasm.
RV Emcees at Fringe Stage
The event also saw recently graduated RVians volunteer despite recently completing their A Levels examination.
“As a resident of Boon Lay, I’ve attended many years of countdown with my family,” said volunteer, Thoe Zilin, 21J16.
“As such volunteering for BLCD was actually on my bucketlist as a JC student, not only for me to experience the process of preparing for a large-scale event, but also to give back to my community,” she said.
Game booth volunteers with Mdm Choy
With an overwhelming number of participants and the smiles on everyone’s face as we welcomed the new year, we felt that all the hard work and dedication in the lead up to this event had definitely paid off.
Students dancing together with the public at Fringe Stage
We would like to sincerely thank everyone who volunteered and supported our event — without you, this event would not have been possible!