“People found it hard to believe that we were out there in the sun, distributing roses with a message of peace and friendship, without selling them anything,” shared Alvin Lay (above, right), a SSA Student Division (SD) member who was a volunteer at the Roses of Peace 2015 event on October 4.
Roses of Peace is an annual interfaith event organised by the Singapore Management University Muslim Society with the support of partner organisations, including SSA, and grassroots organisations like the Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle. This year’s event, themed “Reliving the Kampung Spirit”, saw the participation of more than 250 volunteers who spread across Singapore to distribute 7,000 roses with handwritten messages of goodwill and harmony attached. Some 20 SD members represented SSA in this expression of friendship and neighbourliness in the community.
Guest-of-honour Mr Amrin Amir, Ministry of Home Affairs Parliamentary Secretary and Member of Parliament for Sembawang Group Representation Constituency also joined in this meaningful endeavour. He was also present at an appreciation dinner for all volunteers held that very evening at Tampines West Community Club. Five SD representatives performed at that appreciation dinner, singing two songs, one of which is a self-arranged mash-up.
