The event coincides with the Global Ismaili CIVIC Day- an inaugural signature event of the Ismaili Community worldwide. It unites a centuries-old tradition of serving humanity by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the communities in which they reside, regardless of faith, gender and background. This international endeavour reflects the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenry.
The potted plants were presented to Mr Alvin Tan (Minister of State for Trade & Industry and Culture, Community & Youth) who accepted these on behalf of the Moulmein-Cairnhill community where he is also the Grassroots Adviser of the Tanjong Pagar GRC GROs (Moulmein-Cairnhill).
To encourage green fingers, enhance mental wellness, as well as to thank and appreciate partners, these plants will be distributed to ComCare, migrant workers in the estate, Grassroots Leaders of the Pek Kio Community Centre as well as key partners and members of the Moulmein-Cairnhill Mental Health Taskforce. A day earlier, also as part of the collaboration, 150 plants were presented to frontliners and received by Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Staff Well-Being Committee Chairman, Associate Professor Habeebul Rahman, and Assistant Director of HR Wellness, Mr Dominic Tung.
“To mark World Environmental Health Day, Our Green Moulmein-Cairnhill has partnered with Ismaili CIVIC to gift plants to our diverse communities including seniors, youths, healthcare staff, migrant workers and community groups. We thank the Ismaili community for taking the time to grow, nurture and decorate these 250 potted plants,” said Mr Alvin Tan on this inaugural ICS-OGM partnership. “Just as our actions impact the environment, we have to recognise that the health of our environment affects us and our communities too. During this time, we hope these potted plants will brighten up the homes and work spaces of our recipients and enhance their mental health and well-being while nurturing some green fingers along the way.”
“Our Green Moulmein-Cairnhill has achieved many milestones since we started in 2019, and partnering with Ismaili CIVIC for this green and meaningful initiative is one of them. This is a valuable collaboration to show care and appreciation for our key partners and frontliners while sharing plant care tips and the health benefits of greenery in our living environment,” said Michelle Wan, Co-Chairperson of Our Green MoCa.
Responding to the Pandemic and Protecting the Earth – the first ever Global Ismaili CIVIC Day sees tens of thousands of volunteers across the globe with over 90 partnerships offering voluntary service to strengthen communities through local efforts.
In Singapore, through its Together We Grow campaign, Ismaili CIVIC Singapore has committed to distribute 1,500 plants to schools, hospitals, grassroots organisations as well as seniors, frontliners, migrant workers and youth in addition to organising knowledge workshops, nature walks and mural paintings.
“This year, we are focussed on environmental stewardship and response to the pandemic. Our volunteers came together to nurture and decorate 1,000 ornamental and herbal plants for our 30 partners. We wanted to raise awareness of Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. In these unprecedented times, when mental health is a growing concern, we felt plants inspire hope to those facing challenges and provide an opportunity for ground-up engagement with multiple constituents in a meaningful way,” said Zain Fancy, President of the Ismaili Council for the Far East.
Our Green MoCa is a community green group started in 2019. Comprising of volunteers and residents in the Moulmein-Cairnhill constituency, the group aims to build a more vibrant and resilient community through green and sustainable action. Partnering with like-minded individuals, sustainability groups and government agencies, past initiatives include greening walkways, revitalising community spaces, and raising awareness about climate issues through webinars, workshops and hackathons.
Ismaili CIVIC is partnering with more than 40 organisations including the Brahm Centre, ComCare, Touch Community Services, Seastainable, SayurStory, Raffles Girls Primary School, Covid Migrant Support Coalition, Malay Youth Literary Association (4PM), Preschool for Multiple Intelligences, and the People's Association.
In the region, in countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, this initiative is being honoured in a variety of ways including: care packages to frontliners, hygiene kits to children’s homes, growing fresh vegetables for soup kitchens, and committing resources for the homeless. These efforts connect to similar activities in more than 30 countries around the world.
Since the launch of the Ismaili CIVIC initiative across the globe in 2020, significant impact has been created in the areas of health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship and cultural restoration. Amidst these uncertain times, Ismaili CIVIC endeavours to strengthen the bonds between communities and fosters collaboration and commitment to improving the human condition.
