Project Happy Apples
Published: 24 Oct 2013
The group of students in Project Happy Apples (PHA) finally witnessed the fruit of their labour when the project made the debut release of its publicity materials at the Voices for Hospices Charity Concert on 12 October, Saturday, at the Singapore Polytechnic’s Convention Centre.
PHA was started by a group of medical students from the NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine as an initiative to raise awareness on palliative care by sharing the stories of hospice patients via a variety of creative media.
The evening event, organised by the Singapore Hospice Council, was part of a wave of global concerts held every two years in celebration of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. An exhibition on palliative care was followed by a concert starring many young musical talents and several seasoned stars.
Representing the only student-led initiative at the exhibition, PHA showcased the first in the line of its publicity materials, including a promotional video, posters and an e-book containing many heart-rending yet inspirational quotes from the hospice patients whom the students had visited.
The PHA booth drew in large crowds of enthusiastic visitors who were invited to “like” the project’s Facebook page and also pose for photos with PHA’s signature “Happy Apples”. Among those who had their photos taken were Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health and Ms Eunice Olsen, former Nominated Member of Parliament.
The video which was produced by student volunteers on a budget of fifty dollars was screened during the concert itself. Project Director Mervyn Lim and Shawn Lin, Phase III medical students, were also invited up on stage to introduce the project to the large audience.
Dr Khor, Guest of Honour for the event, mentioned in her opening address that she was “heartened” to learn about the project and that the students “embody the spirit of compassion and volunteerism”.
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