Grandmother of two and housewife, Mala has been volunteering for RSVP since April this year. Currently, the 58-year-old helps mentally-challenged adults at the Community Wellness Clinic @ Queenstown Polyclinic. Every Wednesdays, she is there for three hours, helping the adults with exercises, working with them on puzzles and talking to them.

Why did she decide to give back? In 2011, she had accident at a golf course where a buggy fell on her. She had a burst fracture on her spine and was half paralysed, and her chances of walking were “very slim”. She went for surgery and had five months of rehab but she still couldn't walk. She had to be on a wheelchair for seven months and she had to train to walk. Her friends and physiotherapist were by her side, motivating her.

“Eventually I thought, I was one person and everyone motivated me. I always had someone urging me on. I thought there are a lot of people who needed help and because I got help, I wanted to return that help to the community. Every time I go home from volunteering, I feel satisfied with what I can do.” Mala added that a quote from her son motivates her to have a better tomorrow – “Your today will determine your tomorrow”.