Helping Hands, Open Hearts: BARE International SG Team’s CSR Day with NTUC Health Care

As part of BARE International’s CSR goals, our Singapore-based teammates had the privilege of volunteering with NTUC Health Care on Friday, July 25, 2025. The team visited the home of an elderly man under NTUC’s care, offering their time and support to help clean his living space and spend time with him. What began as a service initiative turned into a deeply moving experience—a reminder of the realities many elderly people face, and the power of human connection and empathy. The following is a personal reflection written by Dr. Concasso Leena Sunny, one of the volunteers, who beautifully captured the emotions and lessons from that day. 

A Glimpse into Reality: The Old Uncle’s House

In the busyness of life, working, chasing deadlines, running errands and we often get caught in our own bubble. It’s easy to forget how others around us might be living, and sometimes, all it takes is a moment to make us pause and reflect. 

We thank NTUC Health Care for giving us this opportunity and yesterday we visited the old uncle who is under the care of NTUC Health Care. He lived alone and his house was in a shocking state. As I stepped in, the strong stench of stale air and mold hit me. The floor was littered with old newspapers, leftover food, and broken items stacked in corners. Cobwebs hung from the ceilings, and dust coated every surface. It felt as though time had stopped in that house and not in a good way. 

This uncle had once been a working man, a soldier who was strong and independent. But age, loneliness, and declining health had taken their toll. He no longer had the strength or will to clean up, and over the years, the mess grew up. He lived each day in those conditions, not because he wanted to, but because he had no one to help. 

He is suffering from Asthma and recently had a heart attack and is on wheelchair. Seeing him there in that neglected space made me think deeply. We often stress over minor discomforts, a late delivery, a slow internet connection, a noisy neighbor and while there are people quietly suffering in far worse conditions, with no one even noticing. 

Today, I realized how much we take things for granted. Clean clothes, a tidy home, a warm meal, and good health are blessings we rarely stop to appreciate. Life isn’t just about chasing success or money. Sometimes, we need to slow down and open our eyes to the world around us. When we do, we begin to see how truly blessed we are and maybe we’ll also be moved to lend a hand to someone who needs it. 

I am truly grateful to be part of such an amazing team. A special thank you to my colleagues Zheng Hao and Aashika for their incredible support, dedication, and hard work. 

I also thank our company BARE International for giving us this opportunity and being in a team where unity and collaboration are so strong is truly a blessing. This experience has been deeply fulfilling, and we feel genuinely satisfied and happy with all that we’ve achieved together. 

 — Dr. Concasso Leena Sunny 

Why It Matters 

Acts of service like this go far beyond cleaning a home—they restore dignity, uplift spirits, and remind us of our shared humanity. In a world where isolation among the elderly is all too common, showing up, listening, and helping can make a profound difference. This experience reinforced that corporate responsibility isn’t just about policies or donations—it’s about people. When companies empower their teams to engage with the community, they spark a ripple effect of compassion and change. At BARE International, we believe that real impact begins with empathy—and that every small act of kindness contributes to a better, more connected world.