The response received to the charity trip to St. Ignatius School had been overwhelming that two departures have to be carved out, first departure was scheduled on 22 May and the second one is on 12 June.
In our first departure on 22 May, we were supposed to have 40 of us from the Singapore Adventurous & Nature-Lovers (SANL) group and friends but 8 had to cancel at last minute due to personal issues. Finally, 32 from our group left by BatamFast ferry at 9am from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
The ferry ride took just about 40 mins and upon our arrival at Nongsapura Ferry Terminal, we had an express immigration clearance without the need to queue up. By 0900 hrs, Indonesian time, we were at Batam View Beach Resort reception lobby. Breakfast was made ready for us.
Prior to set-off, as event organiser, I took the opportunity to address the group and one of the key issues was to announce to all that we had raised a net proceed of S$5,803.10 from this project. The large part of the proceed will be used to erect a playground at the school. We had also received loads of donation in kinds, ranging from children clothes, toys, books and stationery, among others which were all ferried to Batam in batches thus saving us the big logistical nightmare if we were to bring everything on the day of departure.
Two witnesses appointed from each group, SANL & friends on 22 May departure and Apex Club on 12 June will help to ensure every cent is properly accounted for and a final statement on the expenditure will be made publicly on this blog for everyone sighting. Transparency must be the order of the day!
The coach journey took us some one and a half hour but we were all too excited and were looking forward to it. When we finally arrived at St. Ignatius, everyone helped to unload the lunch boxes, kueh kueh and donated items. It was an automatic drill by us, everyone was too eager to help out in one way or another.
It is our good fortune that we have talented people in our group who can keep the children in awe-and-suspense. All thanks to Dauglas for donning his clown costume and performing his magic tricks to amuse them; our highly charged-up E.Z. for keeping the children laughing away; Judy & some volunteers for making the lovely balloon sculptures; Angie for lending her lovely voice in leading us in songs; Christa, the forever kid herself for taking the lead in getting the kids in drawing their aspiration; T.S. for taking charge of the hastily planned program and the rest of us for helping in one way or another. All of us should deserve a pat on our own shoulder for making this trip a memorable experience for the children at St Ignatius School.
This trip has ended well and I am looking forward to another visit by the second group on 12 June.
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