Volunteering at Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

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Volunteering at Mercylight Animal Rescue and Sanctuary

28 February 2024

A group of residents from House of Draco at Residential College 4 recently took part in a heartwarming volunteering event at Mercylight. The volunteers engaged in hands-on tasks aimed at enhancing the lives of animals under Mercylight's care.

The students were assigned various responsibilities, including walking the dogs, preparing food and medicine for the animals, and maintaining the shelter's facilities. They also actively participated in cleaning up rubbish and waste materials across the shelter, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment for the animals.

Mercylight, driven by a team of passionate animal lovers, has been making a significant impact since its establishment in 2009. Beginning with a small group of volunteers who fed stray dogs in eastern Singapore, Mercylight officially became a non-profit organization in January 2015. Their mission is to promote compassion for animals and prevent cruelty through a range of welfare services.

Through their involvement in this volunteering event, our students not only positively impacted the lives of animals but also gained valuable experiences in teamwork, responsibility, and empathy. Such initiatives highlight the power of collective action in creating a more compassionate and caring society for all.

This event organized by House of Draco further emphasizes the importance of community engagement and active citizenship. It showcases the willingness of our students to contribute meaningfully to causes they are passionate about, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empathy within our community.

Hear from our students!

Xin Hui

"I'm happy to be given the opportunity to volunteer at MercyLight as part of Draco's VIA event. My main role was to take the dogs for a stroll and assist the dedicated group of volunteers with their day-to-day tasks that keep the shelter running smoothly.

Despite only spending a few hours at the shelter, I found myself physically tired at the end of the day. This experience gave me newfound appreciation for the volunteers who dedicate their entire day to such noble causes. It's truly commendable how they tirelessly devote their time and energy to come down to volunteer. I hope to have the chance to participate in these type of fun and fulfilling events in the future!" - Wong Xin Hui

Daryl

"Volunteering with MercyLight was an eye-opening experience I wouldn't have embarked on alone. While I had always been interested in supporting animal welfare, volunteering independently at a shelter seemed daunting. This event provided the perfect opportunity to give back to the community together with my fellow housemates. I thoroughly enjoyed myself throughout the session and learned immensely from the shelter staff's passion and dedication.

This experience has enriched my understanding of the importance of animal welfare and empowered me to consider more volunteering opportunities. Looking forward to more Draco VIA events in the future!" - Daryl Tan

Zijiao

"Draco’s VIA event was a new and creative experience which allowed us to venture beyond RC4 to give back to the community. It was really enjoyable to spend time with friendly dogs and help out the volunteers, and it was meaningful to learn how shelters in Singapore operate. Let’s continue to support the animal welfare societies via such meaningful events!" - Zhu Zijiao

Roel

"Through this VIA event, I thoroughly enjoyed my time collaborating with the regular volunteers, as well as interacting with the dogs. Providing care for the animals and cooperating with volunteers developed a sense of understanding and empathy for the animals, and the animal welfare groups. Overall, this was an enriching opportunity to give back to the community beyond NUS" - Roel Tan