On 22 February 2025, 20 caregivers and their loved ones with special needs gathered at Wildflower Studio, a cosy art space within the Enabling Village, for a unique and heartwarming experience—Art Jamming with Cats.
More than just an art session, this event provided caregivers and their children with a much-needed opportunity to unwind, express their creativity, and find joy in the company of gentle, free-roaming therapy cats.
A Cosy Space for Creativity and Connection
Wildflower Studio, a Business for Good social enterprise, has long been dedicated to supporting the community through its feline-assisted programmes. The studio’s therapy-trained cats provide comfort and companionship to those in need, making it the perfect venue for caregivers and their children to relax and reconnect.
For this event, families were invited to paint their own feline-inspired masterpieces while enjoying the peaceful presence of the resident cats. Whether they were seasoned artists or simply exploring a new hobby, every participant found joy in the creative process.
Making Meaningful Moments Accessible
CaringSG is committed to ensuring that caregivers have access to enriching experiences like this. While the usual price for this event was $48 per participant, we provided subsidised prices for our caregiver members and their families ($10/pax for Standard Members and $16/pax for Free Members) to make the art jamming session more accessible and affordable.
The event was made possible by the dedication of two CAREkakis, a CAREchampion and her daughter, and four CaringSG staff. A special thank you to Wildflower Studio for providing such a warm and inclusive space, and to Tea Ideas for sponsoring their delightful tea wands, adding a comforting touch to the afternoon.
Stories That Inspire
For some families, attending this event was a leap of faith.
Farina, a mother of four, was initially uncertain about joining as she was concerned about how to manage her three children with special needs who were joining the session.
After sharing her concerns, she was reassured that volunteers would be there to support her. With one of her sons’ psychiatrist encouraging the experience, she decided to give it a try—and she was grateful she did. Watching her son smile, engage in the activity, and enjoy the company of the cats was a heartwarming moment, a gentle reminder that even small steps can bring meaningful progress on the path to healing.
Another participant, Rizal Marof, shared how his family was paired with Joy, a CAREkaki volunteer.
Joy connected beautifully with Rizal’s child, Ayra, who has limited speech. Through patience and understanding, she created a space where Ayra felt comfortable, proving that genuine care and willingness to learn can bridge any gap.
More Than Just an Art Session
By the end of the event, it was clear that this was not just about painting or playing with cats—it was about connection, support, and creating joyful moments together. Families left with more than just their artwork; they left with renewed spirits, new friendships, and a reminder that they are not alone on their caregiving journey.
Heartfelt Words from Our Participants
Our caregivers and families had a truly meaningful experience at Art Jamming with Cats, thanks to the dedication and warmth of our staff and volunteers.
CaringSG staff and volunteers were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the event. Karen and Diana provided encouragement along the way, and knowing that they are caregivers themselves made us feel safe and understood. Diana, in particular, was attentive to Aryan’s situation, checking in on us before the event and ensuring we had the support we needed.
Another participant shared how deeply moved they were by a volunteer’s kindness and attentiveness toward their child. The volunteer took their daughter for a walk, offering her a much-needed movement break, and thoughtfully supported her with daily routines like using the toilet and playing together. For caregivers, entrusting a child to someone else can be challenging, but this volunteer’s warmth and patience made all the difference.
We are grateful for these heartfelt stories and for the incredible volunteers and staff who made this event possible.
Thank you for making a difference. 💙
Join Our CaringSG Community
At CaringSG, we strive to create meaningful opportunities for caregivers to relax, connect, and find support. If you’d like to be part of future events like this, join us as a member and be part of a community that truly understands and uplifts one another.
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