On February 1st, about 30 Keeping Hope Alive volunteers, young and old, gathered at Punggol to go door-to-door checking on rental flat residents. We brought electric fans and pillows donated by a generous sponsor, knocked on doors to assess needs, and asked residents if they needed water heaters or light bulbs fixed.

We worked on two units that day. The first was for Mr. Liu, a 53-year-old father preparing for his daughter's return home later this month. A former taxi driver who now uses a wheelchair after a stroke, he couldn't manage the ceiling stains and old furniture on his own. We cleared and cleaned, giving him a fresh space to welcome his daughter back for a new start.

The second unit was a single mother living with her two sons in challenging conditions. We cleared the accumulated clutter, making the space livable again. For both families, donors sponsored organization boxes to store their belongings properly.

Several journalists joined us to document the work. As our founder Fion says, sometimes people want to make changes but lack the courage, energy, or strength to begin. We're grateful to be present at this moment when they're ready.

With the new year just behind us and Lunar New Year approaching, there's something meaningful about fresh starts and clean spaces. These families can now step into this season with hope and possibility.

"感谢您让我们做有用的人" - thank you for letting us be useful people.