“It all started when I was in school at Marymount Convent. My mentor, Sister Colombus, brought a few of us from her bible class together to form a group called the “Young Apostles”,” recalled Bernice, “And we spent our time after school helping the poor, fixing their attap houses, and doing other things. You could see the happiness on their faces. And it also brought a cheer to me. The feeling is just indescribable.”

Since 1978, Bernice has been actively volunteering in Church and other organizations such as the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Changi Women’s Prison and St Nicholas Home. Currently, she helps out at Missionary of Charities and the “Kids Read” programme at McPherson Moral Service Home.

“Here in Singapore, we tend not see the poor amongst our midst. They are many – not just poor financially but also poor in spirit, poor in relationship, etc. If each of us can give a little of ourselves to help our troubled brothers & sisters, I believe much can be done,” said Bernice, “And I can definitely say that I have benefited as well as I find my faith strengthened through my volunteer work.”