During one counseling session, a cancer patient in her fifties expressed her regrets in revealing her illness to her friends. She told me that some friends began to avoid her after they came to know of her illness. She could not understand their behaviour and felt sad about losing her friends.

Certainly, this is a sad encounter. However, I reassured her that she could always find new friends who would have the wisdom to know the meaning of True Friendship. A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

Indeed volunteers can be your great 'friends' at the darkest moments of your life. They are always there to hold your hand when you need the human touch, provide a listening ear when you need someone to share your problems, and render their assistance whenever you need them. They are your "SPACE" - special people around caring endlessly, and will do their very best to help.

If you are ready to touch base with volunteers, your challenges through life will become much easier with their unconditional help and support. Most importantly, you must remember not to bite the hand that fed you. Remember to show gratitude by being ready to help others whenever you are capable of doing so. Let your loving kindness be an inspiration to your 'beneficiaries' and together, we can strengthen the spirit of caring and sharing among our fellowmen. The slogan of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre reads : "It's about giving".

Please login into National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre web site for a comprehensive list of voluntary welfare organizations.