Celebrating SG60: National Day Istana Open House
On 3 August 2025, CaringSG proudly joined the nation in commemorating Singapore’s 60th birthday at the National Day Istana Open House (NDIOH).
CaringSG Walk @ Istana
On 3 August 2025, CaringSG proudly joined the nation in commemorating Singapore’s 60th birthday at the National Day Istana Open House (NDIOH). With our theme “Together We Walk, Together We’re CaringSG”, a strong team of 67 caregivers, volunteers, and staff came together to promote inclusion, raise awareness, and celebrate our shared identity as one Singapore.
CaringSG Walk @ Istana
One of the highlights was the CaringSG Walk @ Istana – a meaningful journey that brought together 10 caregiver families and 10 dedicated volunteers to explore Singapore’s heritage grounds.
From the serene Japanese Garden to the historic Istana Villa, the walk offered families a chance to enjoy quality bonding time, learn about our nation’s rich culture, and connect with the wider community.
Both morning and afternoon sessions were thoughtfully planned, with volunteer-led guided tours and villa visits that ensured an enriching and inclusive experience. Even amidst the large crowds and festive buzz, the environment remained welcoming and engaging for families with children with special needs.
What Our Caregivers Said
Our caregivers and families shared their heartfelt appreciation for the CaringSG Walk @ Istana and the support they received from our volunteers and staff:
💬 “Thank you very much for organising the visit to the Istana. It was a wonderful and informative experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Special thanks to the volunteers for their time and effort, and to everyone who made this event possible.”
💬 “Thank you for the invitation and the great support from the volunteers and organisers. We truly appreciate the warm welcome and smooth arrangements.”
💬 “Without this special arrangement, I don’t think I would have had the courage to attend such a mega Istana Open House — especially after seeing the long queues in the morning. I truly appreciate all the extra effort that went into making the impossible possible. This will be a memory we’ll treasure for a long time.”
💬 “It was our first time visiting the Istana, and it was such a smooth and memorable experience thanks to the support and coordination from the staff, volunteers, and tour guide. We had a great time despite the wet weather earlier on!”
💬 “Thank you CaringSG, staff, and volunteers for this great experience. It was a joy to explore and learn together in such a caring and inclusive environment.”
These words reflect the joy, gratitude, and sense of community that the event brought to everyone involved. ❤️
CAREcottage & Outreach Booths
At the CaringSG Outreach and CAREcottage booths, our volunteers worked tirelessly to engage the public through interactive displays and inclusive conversations that highlighted our mission of building a more caring and inclusive Singapore.
Beautiful handmade crochet items – lovingly crafted – were also sold to raise funds in support of CaringSG programmes. Our volunteers shone as they:
❤️ Shared about CaringSG’s work and impact
❤️ Welcomed visitors into inclusive, open conversations
❤️ Sold crochet merchandise to support fundraising efforts
❤️ Raised awareness of caregiver support and community involvement
Bridging Communities Through Art and Care
CaringSG volunteers also supported the CELEBRATE Pillar booths, in collaboration with Tapestree, the National Heritage Board, and the Singapore Art Museum – highlighting the intersection of creativity, heritage, and community care.
Through art and storytelling, visitors experienced how care and creativity can bring communities closer together.
The Power of One, The Impact of Many
We are deeply grateful to every caregiver, volunteer, and staff member who made this event a success. Your time, energy, and commitment truly reflected “The Power of One, The Impact of Many.”
Let’s continue to walk together, care together, and build a more inclusive Singapore – one step at a time. ❤️
Other Updates
Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Day 2025: Honouring Five Years of Heart-Led Action
On 12 July 2025, CaringSG celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Day with heartfelt gratitude and joy. Marking five years of empowering caregivers, the event honoured the volunteers who have been the heart of our mission. From touching performances and meaningful awards to laughter, cake, and connection — it was a celebration of care in its truest form.
CAREconnect: Parasport360 – Discover Golf
⛳ A Swing Towards New Experiences! ⛳
On 10 June, caregivers and their special needs dependents came together at Keppel Club for a morning of fun, focus, and first swings at CAREconnect: Parasport360 – Discover Golf!
You Are Not Alone: A Heartfelt Sharing of Caregiver Journeys
On 20 June 2025, CaringSG held its June edition of the REAL TALK webinar series titled “You Are Not Alone,” a heartfelt and honest session for caregivers of children with special needs. Supported by SG Enable, the event created a compassionate space where real-life struggles were shared, emotions were validated, and hope was rekindled.
Empowering with Presence: Special Needs Volunteer Training with Mendaki
On 19 June 2025, CaringSG conducted our “How to Just Be There” training for 37 Mendaki staff, introducing the P.A.U.S.E.™ method — Prepare, Acknowledge, Understand, Sit with, Empathize — to equip participants with the mindset and tools to support individuals with special needs through presence, not pressure. Led by trainer Jansen Sng, the session was highly praised for its engaging approach, real-life relevance, and emotional impact.
Sailing into Confidence: A Heartwarming Journey with the Learn to Sail Workshop
Over six Sunday mornings, something special happened down at Changi Sailing Club. Through a joint effort between CaringSG and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), caregivers and their special needs dependents came together to pick up a new skill—sailing—in a setting that was equal parts fun, inclusive, and empowering.
