Blossom Vesak 2022 | Unity in Diversity Fundraising Event: A Day in BSL Kopitiam

GOH Minister Ong Ye Kung sang “Friends” (canto version) during the finale of the event: Wishes for the growth and constant blossom of the “Unity Tree” in Blossom Seeds (BSL).

Blossom Seeds (BSL) is finally able to bring its first fundraising event 2022 in a hybrid format with a unique skit concept: A Day at BSL Kopitiam on May 8. The theme has been defined in a coffeeshop setting as it is the best venue for all community residents and partners regardless of race & religion to meet and connect heart-to-heart.

Emcees Naz and Shandy kicked off the event to a physical & online audience of 200 persons on this lovely Sun morning. BSL staff and volunteers from the Active Ageing and Befriender programmes shared about the developments since the centre has settled in Dec 2018 and also the transformations made by our initial frail seniors after they have joined BSL activities and services. Macarena dance in action by our seniors and transformation videos were also showcased.

Highlights came upon the arrival of GOH Minister Ong Ye Kung where he started the first bloom of the Unity Tree and together with BSL event partners comprises of (in no particular order): BW Monastery, Assyafaah Mosque, Darul Makmur Mosque, Masjid Petempatan Melayu Sembawang, Masjid Yusof Ishak, Holy Tree Sri Balasubramaniar Temple, Covenant Evangelical Free Church, Canberra Secondary School and People’s Association. Lastly with BSL to complete the last bloom on the Unity Tree and be grateful for the strong support of these partners in helping the seniors in this community.

A finale dance led by Selina & Serene, both staff of the Active Ageing and Befriending programmes with a group of our H.A.P.P.Y programme seniors got everyone up on their feet under the music of the famous Chinese drama “Kopi-O” | <情感联络站>. However, the surprise came about with Minister Ong's powerful and meaningful singing of a canto song "Friends" to give his blessings and wishes for the growth of the Unity Tree [strong partnership and collaboration of event partners with BSL], at the same time to call-for-donation for this *fundraising event.

The event ended with nostalgic-wrapped nasi lemak served with coffee & tea and also not to forget the celebrations for Mothers' Day and Hari Raya festive with cake-cutting and red packets distribution by Minister Ong as well.

*Fundraising target: S$300,000 (3yrs operating expenses for BSL)