The fragrance of *zongzi* leaves fills the air as the Dragon Boat Festival approaches. Rooted in traditional Chinese culture, the festival embodies heartfelt wishes for health, well-being, and the sharing of blessings. In multicultural Singapore, customs such as wrapping *zongzi* and exchanging greetings have become familiar and cherished holiday memories for many.
On the afternoon of June 12, 2026 (Friday), led by Mr. Fan Ziping of the Singapore Zhongyuan Association, the Association’s volunteer team—comprising its President and core volunteer representatives—visited the Cedar Active Ageing Centre to share a heartwarming and meaningful Dragon Boat Festival experience with the seniors.
This event is co-organized by the Cedar Tree Active Ageing Centre (Cedar Tree AAC) and the Zhong Yuan Association; Ms. Aileen Wang, Director of the Cedar Tree Active Ageing Centre, is participating in the coordination and hosting of the event on-site.
The aroma of zongzi, a warm greeting
The significance of a festival lies not only in the continuation of traditional customs but also in the care and concern people hold for one another.
On the day of the event, volunteers from the Singapore Zhongyuan Association personally handed out the Dragon Boat Festival gifts they had prepared to the seniors, engaging in face-to-face conversations and keeping them company for a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon.
A greeting, a handshake, a casual chat—these may seem simple, yet they infuse the holiday with a genuine warmth. What we convey is not merely a gift, but a sense of care and heartfelt well-wishes.
Bringing the program to the community, leaving warmth at the venue
During this community visit, volunteers from the Singapore Central Plains Association not only presented holiday gifts but also brought cultural performances rich in Central Plains traditions, adding more laughter and a festive atmosphere to the occasion.
At the event, Fang Fang sang "A Thousand Songs" to convey her best wishes through music; young Li Jiahui performed "Song of the Harvest" on the *guzheng*, offering holiday greetings to the elders with the instrument's elegant, melodious tones; and Ms. Guo Jing presented a Yu Opera performance titled "Who Says Women Are Inferior to Men," allowing the audience to experience the warmth and familiarity of Central Plains culture through the sounds of traditional opera and the local dialect.
The program does not aim for grandeur; its true value lies in sincerity. For seniors, having someone visit, offer companionship, and bring the performance right to them is the most heartwarming gesture of the Dragon Boat Festival.
Public service is more than just a single event
As a Chinese association rooted in Singapore, the Singapore Zhongyuan Association fosters interaction and development among its members while consistently prioritizing giving back to society and serving the community.
Under the leadership of Mr. Fan Ziping, the Singapore Zhongyuan Association actively mobilizes its volunteer corps—led by the association's president—and core volunteers to participate in community service activities. Through concrete actions, they demonstrate care for the elderly and promote a social ethos of respecting, honoring, and cherishing senior citizens.
Although the visit was brief, sincere care can leave behind a lasting sense of warmth. Moving forward, the Singapore Zhongyuan Association will continue to pay attention to community needs and actively participate in meaningful, heart-warming charitable initiatives—bringing goodwill into the community and sharing warmth with even more people.
At the event, the Cedar Active Ageing Centre and the Singapore Zhongyuan Association exchanged commemorative gifts to mark the occasion.
Zhongyuan Association Volunteer Records
Attendees of this event are collectively recorded as: Volunteer representatives from the Singapore Zhongyuan Association.
Participants included representatives from the Singapore Zhongyuan Association’s volunteer group and core volunteer team.
Services include assisting with event check-in, on-site reception, support for artistic performances, assistance with lucky draws, gift distribution, accompanying guests during tea breaks, and maintaining order at the venue.
【List of Participants for the Central Plains Conference】
Permanent Honorary President of the Volunteer Central Plains Association: Huang Haitao
Permanent Honorary President of the Volunteer Central Plains Association: Han Xiao
Volunteer Zhongyuan Association: Fan Ziping
Honorary President of the Volunteer Zhongyuan Association: Li Hong
Liu Hongling, Vice President of the Zhongyuan Volunteer Association
Li Yong, Vice President of the Zhongyuan Volunteer Association
Vice President of the Volunteer Zhongyuan Association: Zhang Bo
Honorary Vice President and Deputy Secretary-General of the Volunteer Zhongyuan Association: Zhao Xiaodan
Honorary Vice President and Deputy Secretary-General of the Volunteer Chung Yuen Association: Guo Lijun
Honorary Vice President of the Volunteer Central Plains Association: Zhang Lifeng
Honorary Vice President of the Volunteer Zhongyuan Association: Jia Weibin
Board Member of the Volunteer Zhongyuan Association: Fang Fang
Volunteer: Guo Jing
Volunteer:Li Tiezhuang
Volunteer: Li Jiahui
Volunteer Host: Liu Wanxin
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Produced by | Singapore Zhongyuan Association
Written by Zhao Xiaodan, Guo Lijun, and Hou Jingyu
Photography | Cheng Productions Private Limited