COVID-19...when it begins...

Even before COVID-19 has started, we already know that 2020 may not be a smooth year ahead (as some of you may know that I'm a believer of metaphysics). Little did I know that it has come so fast and it is in this manner.

I wish that I can have more foresight and get more things prepared in advance. However, it is not about being prepared physically (i.e. livelihood). It is more about being prepared mentally and not to be taken as a surprise and let destiny controls you.

It all started at the beginning of CNY and Singapore started to have cases shortly after. While the number of cases was still small, and we were all in a much complacent mode and as usual, tied down to daily operations of work, a trader friend shared with us his insights and the situation could be more serious than we thought. He was even kicked out in one telegram group for "instilling fear" in others. Once again, I need to say this - it is not about being afraid and let whatever that happens control you, it is about being prepared and I am grateful that I am prepared mentally for the coming months ahead.

Instead of letting days passed by, we decided to start to kick start a grounds-up movement #standwithyouSG. Within 3 weeks, we got ready all the necessary to start the video booth (at different locations) to collect the "thank you" video snippets. Trust me - it was not easy. For a start, we had a hard time getting the venues which are accessible to the different communities. Most of them would want to charge us for the venue fee, and some would not even respond to us as we were not of "commercial value".

Next challenging was getting people like you and me to participant. Most of us do not like to appear on media. Some encouraged us and cheered us on for our efforts. There were some who were skeptical about what we were doing. A shout out here to those who believe in our movement and participated! Thank you!

Here came another challenge, we wanted to thank those who have the courage to say words of thanks to the frontliners, as such, we prepared several tokens of appreciation, including masks, for those who come forth as participants. It was an uphill tasks when there were many suppliers who were not honest and a lot of time and effort was spent sourcing and ensuring that the masks given to the public are suitable for their use. A shout out to companies and personal friends who have helped during the process!

To sum up why we do what we do - here's a pictorial diagram circulated on the internet. (apologies I can't find the source to credit). Let us focus on the outer ring of the diagram and we thank and appreciate others with this video.

As COVID-19 is affecting more and more people globally, we would like everyone to take a pause and look around you. Ever since the start of this crisis, there are several groups of people being tasked to work round the clock, run in many shifts, sacrificing family time, some even risking their lives while fighting hard to keep Singapore safe and sound.

They are our unsung heroes in various industries such as health care, operational, transport and logistics, volunteer and public servant. Let us thank them for braving the challenges now and the coming months ahead.

Everyone has a part to play, together, we can make a difference. We will win this war against COVID-19 as a nation and come back up stronger! Fight On Singapore!

#standwithyouSG and Adrenalin Group will be donating $1 for every share of this video.

We need your help to do the following:

1) Tag your friends or any unsung heroes you know

2) Hashtag #standwithyouSG and #SGUnited

3) Share out this video

4) Leave a message for the unsung heroes in the comments!

Funds will be donated to The Courage Fund on your behalf! ❤️ Thank you!

#standwithyouSG #SGUnited #BeGreaterSG #kindnessSG #totaldefence #sgcares

For latest updates, do visit: bit.ly/Standwithyou