Based on the Buddhist principle of respect for the dignity of life, the Soka Volunteers Group (SVG) was formed on March 25, 2004 with about 250 volunteers from the four divisions (Men, Women, Young Men & Young Women Division) to support community events and carry out regular activities with various Volunteer Welfare Organisations (VWOs).

For close to 2 decades, SVG strives to forge friendships with the community and contribute to the well-being of society and individuals through a wide-ranging community service activities with the motto “Compassion, Consideration, Commitment”. Over the years, SGS has established regular befriending activities with several community partners in support of emerging community needs.

Buddhism in Action

SPD

SPD works towards the integration of people with physical disabilities into mainstream society. Through programmes that encompass rehabilitation, employment, training, education, consultation and assessment in assistive technology, day care, and social service support, SPD works in partnership with people with physical disabilities to maximise their potential and to help them to be self-reliant and independent.

The SVG started working with SPD in Feb 2004 by providing befriender service to its beneficiaries. The volunteers also supported by planning activities such as handicraft sessions on the first and third Thursday of each month.

In 1993 and 1995, SGS spearheaded two nationwide fund-raising efforts in support of the building of a new regional rehabilitation centre for the SPD. In recognition, SPD has named the facility Soka-SPD Day Care Centre.

Since 2016, SVG members conduct befriending activities at the SPD Toa Payoh Day Care Centre and accompany elderly on outings to places of interest.

Dover Park Hospice

With the mission of providing comfort, relief of symptoms and palliative care for patients with advanced diseases, Dover Park Hospice (DPH) provides in-patient hospice service to the terminally ill with a prognosis of 3-6 months.

Since August 2005, a group of 30 SVG members have been offering befriender service on a monthly basis. They provide coffee-toast service and welcome relief for caregivers and are greatly appreciated by beneficiaries of the hospice and their visiting family members.

Agency for Integrated Care

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care, SGS launched a ‘Friends in the Orchid Room’ befriending programme in 2019 that reaches out to senior citizens at risk of social isolation.
Dr Tan Weng Mooi (2nd from right) joining in the unveiling ceremony for the ‘Friends in the Orchid Room’ community befriending programme

St. Andrew's Nursing Home

St. Andrew’s Nursing Home is neighbour to the Soka Peace Centre. Since 2018, SVG has been conducting befriending sessions for the residents during special occasions such as Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Mid-Autumn Festival and so on.

7oaks Student Care

Since 2019, SVG has been conducting befriending activities at 7oaks Student Care Centre (previously known as PPIS Student Care Centre) in Bedok and Jurong, to bring joy and hope to the young through a series of engagements to upkeep everyone’s spirits. Activities include introducing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and highlighting the importance of protecting the environment to the children.

North East Community Development Council

Since 2022, SVG has partnered with the North East Community Development Council in Project Refresh to declutter, clean, paint and tidy homes for needy residents living in the Northeast.

St Luke's ElderCare

Since 2023, SVG took on befriending programme with St. Luke’s ElderCare at One Punggol Centre. Every first Wednesday of the month, SVG members conduct activities such as simple movement exercise, games and sing-along sessions with the elders.

In 2024, SVG was awarded the Rising Star Award by the organisation, affirming our new commitment to provide outreach to the community care in the north-east region.

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