To be truthful, I was really nervous about doing this. Somehow, I have never been comfortable with approaching strangers for donations. Especially when you know you're going to meet nasty rude unsympathetic people along the way.
People avoid eye contact, pretend they did not hear you, brush you aside with a wave of their hand (as if we're flies) or simply stare indifferently at you.
Aside from that, what's with this one security guard. Yes, we know we're not supposed to solicit funds in shopping malls. We were standing outside. Apparently you claim we still needed a permit to stand outside your mall.
Fine we'll move, but did you have to to rudely tell us to go away?
"Where's your permit? Go away. If you want do this, go somewhere else to do it."
Geez, we're volunteers working for a good cause. The tone was unnecessary and seems to only reinforce what what society seems to think of Flag Day.
But I'm generalizing here on anecdotal accounts. To be fair, I met some kind and generous Singaporeans out there as well.
Some called out to me or approached me on their own accord. One uncle even said to me,
"The sun is hot. Make sure you drink enough water ok?" As he slotted a 2 dollar note into the can. Kudos to him. Singapore needs more people like him.
So after 4 hours, the flag day ends, and all the volunteers returned with cans clinking of all the coins inside them.
My legs are tired from all the walking and standing. Hilariously, my jaw aches from all that smiling.
I guess it wasn't too bad. And I felt I've gained something meaningful from doing this. Though no more flag days for me.. Not anytime soon...
