Helping to run a charity roadshow, though voluntarily, entails a decent extend of responsibility...or perhaps its just me who tends to excel wholely by doing my best, in my best attitude, in what i do and in what i have a passion for. Prior to the roadshow, i read up as much as i can about Acres as a non-profit organisation, its objectives and its purpose of running merchandise sale, donation and educational roadshows/events. To put it simply, the proceeds that are collected will go towards its campaigns in ending the exploitation of animals and in building S'pore very first Wildlife Rescue Centre. For details, you may refer to http://www.acres.org.sg/
I arrived light-heartedly at the Acres booth at The Atrium Orchard at abt 4.50 pm, 10 mins prior to my shift from 5 pm. Just wish to be punctual, a little consideration for my co-peers who may be waiting for me to take-over. Thinking that i wld be manning the booth by marketing Acres merchanise (using my strength in sales) and sharing with those who comes by my now superfluous knowledge about Acres, i was handed a "coin tin". I was then told to find a permittable "spot" and start collecting. For a moment, i saw myself selling flags in my good old school days. Feeling rather awkward and stunned with my coin tin, i decided to stand by my objective in volunteering with Acres i.e. to help in whichever area that is much needed, and to continue with a delightful attitude.
I found a spot where there are flows of human traffic between Plaza Singapura and Dhoby Gaut MRT station. Like my co-peers, i stood by comfortably smiling and raising my tin and the educational brochure towards people who walked by. After a mere 5 mins, i gave up. That technique doesnt work at all and i received $0 donation! I decided to adopt Adele's "fun" technique instead i.e. to approach boldly with an open heart.
I began to have fun...by approaching and even chasing people with my sunshine smiles and my very own intro..."hihi, wld u like to donate to the Animal Wildlife Rescue Centre. It goes to the wild animals that have been captivated." I also became playful by deliberately catching some of those who discreetly walked away by surprise! As donors start to reach out their pockets, purse and wallets, i took that opportunity to educate them about Acres and cross-sell our merchandise. I went on for a full 3 hours, with no in-between water/toilet/sitting breaks. In the midst of my approach, i experienced many sorts of people...1) people who rejects Acres/u by ignoring u totally, shooting challenging questions and dnt donate, quote PM Lee's name (?), detouring their walkway entirely and those who are not so much "for wild animals" and 2) people who respond with yr smiles & approach by smiling back whole-heartedly, donating surprise amounts, donating their 2nd-3rd rounds, complimenting u , joking with u, genuinely asking questions to understand more about Acres and requesting to be a volunteer of Acres too!
My results : a pre-1/4 filled coin tin filled to the brim with coins and notes of $2 and $5! I was complimented by the organisers whilst beginning to become conscious of my aching legs, lower back and left arm (which i used to hold the increasingly heavy tin). Still, what an experience it was for me yesterday and i left Acres with a truly fulfilling 3 hours!
ps : dear, i wish that u were there to run the event with me, for i know that like me, u wld have put yr heart & soul in the charity drive and together we wld achieve even greater results. I know it may sound silly, but i assumed u were there yesterday, quietly cheering me on ("jia you")...anyway, i have specially selected 2 items from the Acres merchandise for u (see below). Does the dog in the pic look familiar? Yes, its a "dachshund".... Like the dachshund, shall we reach out for light & hope together?
just adele,
:*)
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