GRANT A WISH
As one of the signature projects under NUSCSC, Grant A Wish (GAW) was initiated in 2003 and has been successful in granting the wishes of beneficiaries for 16 consecutive years. This project is made possible through the help of our own NUS population as well as the general public's’ kind generosities. Each year, GAW targets a different beneficiary group. Some of them include low-income children and children with chronic illnesses.
4 MAIN PHASES OF GAW
PHASE 1 : WISH COLLECTION
During the first phase of Wish Collection, volunteers get to interact with our beneficiaries and assist in collecting their wishes.
PHASE 2: WISH ADOPTION
During the second phase of Wish Adoption, where the wishes of our beneficiaries are put up for adoption during the internal drive held in NUS.
PHASE 3: WISH ENGAGEMENT
Wish Engagement enhances the volunteer-beneficiary interaction as we strongly believe that volunteering involves a two-way exchange of skills, knowledge and lessons between our volunteers and beneficiaries.
PHASE 4: WISH PARTY
In the last main phase of GAW, the Wish Party, volunteers, donors, and beneficiaries gather together for a day of fun and games. The highlight of the party would be the beneficiaries receiving their presents from the wishes granted by our kind donors.
PAST ITERATIONS
GAW XVII : UNDER THE SEA
Entering its 16th year, Grant A Wish XVI – Under The Sea, has expanded to include all three of CSC's main beneficiary groups. GAW XVII had reached out to the Brain Tumour Society, Genesis School for Special Education, Fei Yue Community Services and AMK Family Service Centre. Our theme was "Under The Sea” as we hope to raise awareness for the aquatic environment. We hope that our beneficiaries have learnt to appreciate nature and enjoyed themselves, and that volunteers engaged in meaningful interactions and continue volunteering with CSC.
GAW XX - Once Upon a Wishmas
GAW XX - Once Upon a Wishmas, had reached out to both Rainbow Center and MIJ Hub. Our theme was inspired by Christmas as the Wish Party occurred during the season of giving. Through GAW XX, we wanted to fulfill the wishes of the beneficiaries by gifting them their desired Christmas presents.
In addition, GAW XX specially included a Wish Experience for the beneficiaries during Phase 3 of the project. During Wish Experience, OC members, donors and volunteers accompanied the beneficiaries to places like Kiztopia, to spread joy to them and brighten up their day.
HEAR FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
Spontaneously joining and having a pleasant experience in the previous iteration of GAW as a volunteer was what spurred me to step out of my comfort zone and participate in GAW XX as an OC member. Indeed, just knowing that it is challenging to care for children with special needs is not enough; by being on the ground and having first-hand experience, I can better empathise and understand them. Seeing their beaming faces when they received their gifts in the end was definitely worth the effort and energy spent!
