BBSG (Boys Brigade share a gift)

1 packet, 2 packets... 17 packets... 53 packets...

Thus began the arduous task of counting the quantity of packets in each of the boxes. Our department was in charge of sorting out the biscuits. We had to put the packets of biscuits into cardboard boxes, count the number, before reporting it to the primer in charge. This process was similarly carried out for the biscuits in boxes.

This task was both strenuous mentally, and physically. Some boxes could contain up to 60 packets of biscuits. Sweat trickled down our foreheads as we laboured on. Knowing that we were doing this for a good cause, was what kept us going.

The objective of BBSG;

- To bring cheer to the less fortunate during the festive season of Christmas;
- To inculcate the spirit of caring and sharing among members of The Boys' Brigade;
- To promote the spirit of caring and sharing among Singaporeans.

All the goods(canned food, beverages, oil, biscuits, rice, condiments) sorted out by the various departments would be packed into bags, before being given to the needy families, elderly and children whose total monthly household income is less than $1,500.

At first, I had expected it to be tiring, and exhaustive. To my surprise, the 12hr of work was not as bad as I expected. Perhaps it was because our team was efficient, our perhaps our department had the easiest job, but before long, the other five sec ones in our company(the 39th) who were in the same team as I was had finished our job.

After lunch, we had a few hours of break. This was one of the more fun parts of the entire event. Together with other members of our company, we played monopoly deal together. There was even one game which lasted for 2 hrs! Occasionally, the primers in charge would enter the air-conditioned room and call out the departments who were on duty. This was always the most tense moment, as no one wanted to be called out of the room and back to the warm, humid warehouse. The hours raced past, while we were having a whale of a time. Before we knew it, it was in dinner time.

A few vans brought in more goods to sort during the night. Our team worked as a single unit in order for maximum efficiency. Two members collected the biscuit goods, the others passed them to the sorting area, and the remainder packed and counted. This cycle continued for the rest of the night. At the end of the day, I was exhausted, and tired, but had thoroughly enjoyed myself.