Volunteering, Why Me?

A writer to the forum page makes a good attempt to analyse the lack of volunteerism in Singapore. She cited 4 possible reasons being :
1) people are too weary and what little time left besides working is needed for recuperation
2)we are brought up with the "every man for himself" mentality
3)the "new rich" always feel poor compared to the"super rich"
4)the feeling that every other person is doing well given the high ranking of almost everything in our country, be it health, education, safety, housing etc.

Whilst I think the first reason certainly plays a part, I doubt the prevalence of the mentality cited as the second reason. I believe most people have empathy for the less privileged but may feel they do not have the time or resources to help.

Now the third reason may have some degree of validity. Just turning the pages of the newspaper filled with pictures of luxury homes, cars, bespoke kitchen/bathroom fittings, travel destinations, expensive enrichment classes, fine dining etc can possibly make one feel poor and "hey there are countless rich people who can help". In fact sometimes I do wonder whether the likes of the Philip Ng,  (named richest man in Spore) will give instruction to his PA to write a cheque when reading about people/families who met with misfortune and in need of financial help. You see on some occasions when I write a cheque, I tend to wonder the appropriate amount (eg. if the medical bill of someone amounts to half a million, all it takes is 500 people to write a $1,000 cheque or a few rich guys to settle the bill). Should "what you can afford" be taken in the context of a sole donor or an estimate of the possible number of donors.

As for the 4th reason postulated there could be some validity as well. Sometimes when you are bombarded with all the good things happening in your own country, you do have this feeling that everybody is well and happy. In fact one may even feel out of place to feel low/moody when everyone else (especially in face book, haha ) feels on top of the world.

The writer then went on to suggest that corporates take the first step to involve their staff in volunteering. lessening any initial discomfort when carried out as a group. I also feel that only through volunteering and being involved will one become more aware of the help needed out there.

In Buddhist teachings, making an offering also helps one to be less attached to one's belongings thereby practicing detachment. As such it is not about the fairness of giving as a proportion of how much you have, but a matter of willing to give up what is deemed 'yours'. This includes 'your' time. So if your time is not really yours, why not you?