A Community That Gives Together, Thrives Together

By Chan Yu Qing

It takes a community to lift one another, and on 6 May 2026, the NHCS community did just that!

On NHCS #GivingWednesday, staff and patients came together in the most heartwarming way, enjoying yoghurt parfaits while raising funds for a meaningful cause. Themed "Refill Your Cup", the campaign invited staff and members of the public to do good while taking a moment to care for themselves—a fitting reminder that giving and self-care can go hand in hand.

Staff from various professions and departments collecting their yoghurt parfaits!

Net proceeds went towards the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund in support of the 'Good Life Community Empowerment Programme', a patient-led initiative empowering heart patients through peer support and wellness activities.

Giving Heart Patients a Community to Thrive In

At the heart of this programme is a simple but powerful belief: that recovery and long-term heart health go beyond clinical care. True healing happens when patients feel empowered to take charge of their own lives, equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and connections to thrive beyond the hospital. Funds raised will support patient and community empowerment initiatives organised by NHCS Medical Social Workers and patient leaders.

Central to this community are our Heart Warriors, patients who have walked the journey themselves and now champion the programme. At the event, they stepped up to share their personal stories, inspiring others to be part of this growing community. From navigating the uncertainty of a diagnosis to finding strength in one another and reclaiming their quality of life, their journeys were a testament to resilience and hope.

Our ‘Heart Warriors’ with the Medical Social Services team!

“The Good Life Community Empowerment Programme is important to the cardiac communities we serve. We have seen first-hand the power of like-minded individuals coming together, regardless of background or status, to support one another on the journey towards better heart health," shared Ms Sim Yu Xuan, Senior Medical Social Worker. "Fundraising events like #GivingWednesday remind us that this community truly cares, and that no patient ever has to walk their journey alone.”

A Sweet Act of Giving

The live parfait station was a lively sight. Staff streamed in throughout the day to collect their pre-ordered cups, and the energy around the station was infectious. It was no surprise that all 380 cups sold out.

"This campaign was a meaningful opportunity to contribute to something greater and to carry forward the spirit of giving. I hope this can become a regular initiative, as each effort helps deepen and sustain that spirit over time," shared Ms Chiong Siau Chien, Deputy Director, Cardiac Laboratory.

That same spirit extended beyond the event itself. For nurses who could not leave their patients, parfaits were delivered straight to the wards –a small but thoughtful gesture that said, simply: you are not forgotten. In its own quiet way, it captured everything the day stood for: not just raising funds, but showing up for one another.

Nurses from Wards 44, CTICU & 47B with their well-deserved treat!

"My staff absolutely loved the parfaits.  I only wish I had ordered more! I'm grateful that those who couldn't leave the ward were not left out, and that the deliveries brought a little joy to them too. I look forward to supporting more of these initiatives in future," shared Ms Rahimah Binte Md Noor, Senior Enrolled Nurse from the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit.

A Giving Culture Worth Growing

The success of this inaugural campaign shows that the spirit of giving is very much alive within NHCS. By pairing a simple act of enjoyment with a meaningful cause, Giving Wednesday proved that making a difference can be as easy and as sweet as sharing a parfait.

To every staff member and donor who came forward to show your support: THANK YOU. Here's to many more Giving Wednesdays ahead!

Inspired to empower our heart patients to live their best lives?

Your donation, however big or small, goes a long way in sustaining the ‘Good Life Community Empowerment Programme’ and the lives it touches.

To learn more about the programme, click here.

To make a gift, contact NHCS Development at development@nhcs.com.sg.