On 11 February 2007, iPaLs members and partners gathered at Stall 23 (Dessert Stall) of Bukit Merah View Food Centre for another fund-raising event: Ice Kachang Charity Sales.

Everyone worked tirelessly since early morning in various roles, from recording orders to whipping up fantastic delicacies to delivering the orders to individual housing units. Among the desserts on sale were local favorites all going at their normal prices, with the hope that we would be able to reach out to the heartlanders to support us in this selfless initiative.

We also capitalized on the opportunity to set up a makeshift stall beside the dessert stall to sell miscellaneous items like clothes, books, a range of games and even fine wine in the aim of boosting our gainings for the day. No effort was spared to chase every hint of interest that a passer-by showed, and every team member remained focused while carrying out their duties.

The sweat trickling down the backs of team members who had to scale about 20 nearby high-rise HDB flats to deliver the desserts didn’t seem to bother them - all that mattered was that we make this a success. The last delivery was made at approximately 10.30pm and everyone gathered back at the stall to celebrate, but that wasn’t enough. Thanks to the sheer drive of the team, a last-ditch effort at selling more desserts was made by approaching individuals in the vicinity of the food centre.

All in all, the event was an overwhelming success by any means. Not only because the 1,800 bowls sold brought in over $2,000, but because the experience was a wonderful opportunity for team members to interact. And perhaps it was a timely reminder as well that at the core of this mission is the desire to serve the community and bring smiles to the faces of others in whatever way we can. We aim big - we acknowledge that - but we’re willing to try.

iPaLs would like to sincerely thank the stall owner and our partners for their contributions, generosity and support all this while. Their presence and well-wishes have made and will continue to make a significant difference to our work, and we will always fondly remember their kind deeds.

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