This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the lovey-dovey cliches. Red roses and a box of chocolate are all well and good, but take it upon yourself this year to share love and kindness with those in need. Instead of romantic gestures and grand declarations, ask your partner out for a meaningful date – a way to spend quality time together while giving back to the community.
It’s the start of a new love-fuelled adventure for all to take part in. Whether you’re cooking for the hungry or helping the elderly stay active, you’ll be making a difference on February 14. With your cup brimming over with love, here are four meaningful ways to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.
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Sharing the love this Valentine’s Day
1. Prepare meals for migrant workers at Krsna’s Free Meals
As they say, a couple who cooks together, stays together. But rather than cooking a meal for two, volunteer at Krsna’s Free Meals to help nourish migrant workers and others in need of a hot breakfast or lunch. At this soup kitchen in Little India, you’ll help by cutting vegetables, packing meals, and tidying up after meal service. You can volunteer for either the breakfast slot (6.30am to 9.30am) or the lunch slot (9.30am to 2.30pm).
Fun fact: Krsna’s Free Meals is the very organisation that gave out free Coldplay concert tickets to thank migrant workers for their service.
Sign up here.
2. Join a crafting session with people with intellectual disabilities
At this crafting workshop by social enterprise Social Gifting, spend Valentine’s Day assembling origami flower bouquets – not for you or your partner, but for adults with intellectual disabilities. There’s something heart-warming about crafting together, and you can be sure that it will be an afternoon filled with lots of laughter and joyful moments. Not only will it be a special date for you, it’ll also be a treasured memory for them.
Sign up here.
3. Lead an exercise class for the elderly
Get your endorphins in for the day at this group exercise session – it’s a feel-good moment when you’re encouraging seniors to lead a more active lifestyle. This isn’t your regular workout session since you’ll be taking charge with gentle stretches, simple games, and maybe even some fun sing-alongs thrown in for good measure. Not only will you be helping the elderly maintain physical dexterity, you’ll also be boosting their mental well-being. Exercise sessions are conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays – trial sessions are available, so take the chance this Valentine’s Day to do good with your loved one.
Sign up here
4. Support the visually impaired with a dinner date at Nox – Dine in the Dark
It’s one of Singapore’s most unique dining experiences: Nox – Dine in the Dark, a concept that sheds light on the visually impaired. A full fleet of blind and partially blind waitstaff takes centre stage in a fully dark setting, where they’ll serve you 12 mystery dishes – you’ll only be able to guess what you’re eating till all is revealed once the experience ends. Just for this Valentine’s Day, there’s a special three-course menu (from $178 per person) that comes with a bottle of wine, flowers, and petit fours.
Book here.
A day to give back on February 14
Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day, but not the romantic wine-and-dine dates you’re thinking of. Instead, make February 14 a day where you and your loved ones give back to the community. Since 2024 is the Year of Celebrating Volunteers, make a meaningful contribution by sharing the love with all.
