Engaging in community outreach helps foster a sense of belonging not only for those giving back to society but also to those in the receiving end.
Community outreach builds trust within societies, and it strengthens hope and faith in humanity.
Kindness goes a long way today and igniting it are the China Railway Engineer 5 Walu Bay Depot Social Club.
A team of 200 passionate club members came together to enrich the lives of those living on the streets.
Not only did the China Railway Engineer 5 Walu Bay Depot members provide hot meals to street dwellers they also had the opportunity to visit the children of Hilton Special School in Brown St, Suva.
The group sat down and talked with the students of Hilton Special School and offered words of encouragement to the children during their visit.
Being their first community engagement, the team from China Railway Engineer 5 Walu Bay Depot went out of their way to make their outreach a memorable one.
Despite their demanding work schedule, the club members made sure they were all present for their outreach – prioritising the needs of others.
The club members described the experience as deeply rewarding, noting that it not only made a difference in the lives of those they have assisted but has also strengthened the bond they have as colleagues.
They not only brought smiles to those that they had supported that day but to themselves as well.
“This is one of those unforgettable moments that will stay with us,” a club spokesperson said.
“It’s the first time our Suva Depot members have undertaken a community outreach, and it has inspired us to continue giving back.”
The initiative reflects the club’s growing commitment to community service and its belief that compassion, no matter how small, can have a lasting impact.
The club said seeing how successful their first community outreach was they will be planning for more future engagements.
They hope to do community engagement once or twice a month.
The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection recorded a total of 293 street dwellers as of December 2023, with Suva having the highest number at 155.