Catholic High student buys apples with his own pocket money to cheer elderly residents in Bukit Batok
When a Bukit Batok resident spotted a student making food deliveries during school hours, she was curious.
Stomper Michelle Lim told Stomp that she noticed 13-year-old Wallace Toh, a Catholic High School student, carrying a food package and a transparent bag of fruit at Block 508 Bukit Batok Street 52 on July 15 at 8am.
"I struck me as unusual as it was during school hours," Mrs Lim shared.
"Curious, I observed him and found out he was doing this as part of his school's Values in Action (VIA) programme."
"He was delivering a meal to an elderly resident living alone in a modest HDB flat nearby."
Instead of simply handing over the meal and offering a greeting, Wallace used his own pocket money to buy apples and slipped them into the food packs.
He also wrote encouraging notes - one read: "An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and laughter is the best medicine."
"What he did went far beyond duty," Mrs Lim said. "It was not an extravagant gift, but it carried immense heart.
"Wallace's small act of kindness didn't go unnoticed, a few nearby residents and I were deeply moved."
On Aug 19, we presented Wallace with a Stomp Goody Bag.
He shared that he wanted to spread kindness, inspired by lessons from his teachers.
"My school motto is care, honesty and service to others," he said. "I thought if I could give a listening ear and a healthy snack, the elderly would feel less alone," he said.
He chose apples because they are nutritious and safe.
"Cakes might be too sweet for those with diabetes, but apples are good for health."
Wallace's mother, Grace Wang, admitted she was initially surprised by his idea.
"At first I was worried... what if the food spoiled or caused problems?" Ms Wang said.
"But when he suggested apples and notes, I realised it was safe and meaningful.
She added that she tries to instil in Wallace and his sister the importance of empathy.
"I always remind them to put themselves in others' shoes," she said. "Even a small act of thoughtfulness can brighten someone's day,' she said.
During his home-based learning week, Wallace made it a point to finish his schoolwork so he could use his free time to help others.
Partnering with soup kitchen charity organisation Willing Hearts, he delivered food packs and added his own thoughtful touch by slipping in apples and handwritten notes.
One encounter that stood out for Wallace was with an elderly woman who spoke to him at length about her struggles.
Though some of her words were complaints, Wallace realised she simply needed someone to listen.
Though shy, Wallace never expected recognition.
"I just wanted to make a difference," he said. "It doesn't need to be something big, even small acts can mean a lot."
Though the project began as part of VIA, Wallace also continued distributing food during the school holidays without clocking volunteer hours, simply because he wanted to help.
Despite his quiet nature, the teen was excited to be Stomped for the right reasons.
"I feel quite shy to be featured," he admitted. "But I also hope my story can spread the word and inspire others to do the same."
Mrs Lim summed it up: "At just 13, Wallace showed empathy, initiative and a sincere concern for others. Values we hope to see in every young person."
Know someone who deserves a Goody Bag? Write in to stomp@sph.com.sg or WhatsApp us at 9384 3761!
