Programme: Community
Date: May 31, 2024
Author: Angela Wong Lai SheungAngela Wong Lai Sheung

City Sprouts Blossoms with Community Fun at Mid-Year Outing

A day filled with laughter, learning, and community spirit unfolded at City Sprouts' Mid-Year Outing Programme - Project Rebuilt. Organized by Symrise and SWA, the event brought together residents from various shelters and volunteers for a memorable experience centered around urban farming and sustainability. 

event photo

On June 1st, 2024, City Sprouts urban farm transformed into a vibrant hub of activity as it hosted the Mid-Year Outing Programme - Project Rebuilt. The event, organized by Symrise Asia Pte Ltd (Symrise) and Singapore Women's Association (SWA), welcomed 110 participants, including residents from Anglican Family Centre, Star Shelter, and Casa Raudha Ltd, alongside dedicated volunteers.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome as the group arrived at City Sprouts around noon. The lush greenery and lively atmosphere set the stage for a day of connection and discovery.

After settling in, everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch at Atmosphere. The menu featured a wide array of dishes, including vegetarian fried rice, mee siam, sweet & sour prawn, fish fillet with mayo, lemon chicken, and xiao bai cai with abalone. Mango pudding and apple cordial provided a sweet and refreshing end to the meal.

Lunch

Lunch

Lee Li Hua and Ethan Koh officially opened the event, emphasizing the significance of community building and the positive impact of urban farming.

SWA President, Lee Li Hua

SWA President, Lee Li Hua

Ethan Koh, Symrise

Ethan Koh, Symrise

Post-lunch entertainment came in the form of an interactive magic show that delighted the children and added a touch of enchantment to the day.

Magic show

Magic show

The highlight of the event was the hands-on workshop where participants unleashed their creativity by crafting their own DIY terrariums. Laughter and learning filled the air as everyone got their hands dirty under the guidance of experienced facilitators.

A well-deserved break followed, during which four finalists from Miss Singapore International 2024 – Amira Binte Mohd Yunos, Janice Zhang Jing, Vanessa Tiara Tay, and Han Ryi Yun – served refreshing ice cream to the residents.

Miss Singapore Pageant International 2024 finalists with SWA Board member, Angeline Yang

Miss Singapore Pageant International 2024 finalists with SWA Board member, Angeline Yang

The group then embarked on insightful farm tours led by knowledgeable guides from City Sprouts. Split into two groups, participants gained a deeper understanding of sustainable farming practices and the importance of food resilience in urban environments.

Farm tour

Farm tour

As the day ended, buses arrived at 5 PM to transport the shelter residents back home. Volunteers from Symrise and SWA ensured a smooth departure, leaving everyone with cherished memories and newfound knowledge.

This trip to City Sprouts was more than just an outing; it was a meaningful experience that fostered connections between individuals from diverse backgrounds. The event showcased the power of community and the shared commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following volunteers:

From Symrise: Aricen Ho, Catherine Lau, Lester Antony Francis, Linda Xu, Chee Shin Jacky Yee, Guan Feung Henry Tan, James Rodillas, Joanne Leong, Ong Hong Yan, Luk Jessica, Elaine Tiang, Yeah Leng Chua, Tang Jiayi, Linda Chan, Zi Ying Wong, Ethan Koh, Daavena Ramani, Xiao Ping Tan, Audrey Heng.

Symrise volunteers

Symrise volunteers

From Singapore Women's Association: Lee Li Hua, Angeline Yang, Serene Tan, Au Yeong Siew Lin, Amira Binte Mohd Yunos, Janice Zhang Jing, Vanessa Tiara Tay, Han Rui Yun, Hoang Thi Kim Chi.

SWA and Symrise volunteers

SWA and Symrise volunteers