Here’s the email interview with Alisa Chopard, the cute emcee at Far East Plaza during Tapestry two005. (Read the event report)

Youth.SG: How did you get into volunteering at Tapestry 2005?
Alisa: My friend, Natalya Twohill, is actually part of the “High Five” Youth Group of the Central Singapore CDC, which organised Tapestry 2005. She asked me if I could mcee for the event, and I agreed, because I did last year as well. Whilst listening to the music, I thought I might as well go ahead and beg people for their money.

Youth.SG: Carrying that tin can for donations, a bunch of lanyards, and balloons look really tough. Don’t you need circus training or something?
Alisa: Well, I did do ballet when I was in primary school, if that counts as circus training. Of course, I did break my arm doing ballet, so maybe not. I did waitressing, come to think of it now, which allowed me to break 16 wine glasses (all on one tray, mind you) on my very first day. It’s a miracle my manager decided to keep me but I daresay I’ve improved, I’m actually quite well versed in balancing things now.

Youth.SG: What other volunteer positions are available other than carrying multiple objects?
Alisa: I think there’s the organising committee, which also consists of mainly volunteers - full time or not. Actually, like I said before, I was mcee-ing. The tins I did because I was bored. So the mcee position is open, as well as the going-around-with-tins-and-begging-for-money positions.

Youth.SG: What do you normally do on weekends?
Alisa: HAH. I actually already have no life due to school, but I decided to make it worse a year back. So on Saturdays I teach at Bedesda Cathedral, a church which has set up a tuition center for the kids who cannot afford to pay alot. On Sundays, I attend RiverLife Church, where I’m part of the TV/Video Ministry, so I serve almost every Sunday. After that, I’m free for what’s left of the day.

Youth.SG: What’s the best part about volunteering at Tapestry 2005?
Alisa: I get to interact with people! Plus it’s always nice to beg some of the the grumpy, stingy Singaporeans for their money and leave a smile on their face afterwards.

Youth.SG: Did any guys try to pick you up at the event? (yours truly should not be included)
Alisa: YES! But it’s all in the job, right?

Youth.SG: What’s the one piece of advice you have for folks who might want to volunteer for next year’s Tapestry event?
Alisa: You need to be thick skinned. Do not leave *anyone* alone until they’ve put at least 5 cents in your tin. Of course, if the dude looks like he’s about to punch you (but he won’t, if you’re a girl), then just walk away, because
no one wants a black eye when they’re already sweating it out for charity. Yes, and SMILE. No one wants to give their 5 cents to a grumpy volunteer. Add a joke if you could.

Youth.SG: Will you be doing this (volunteering at Tapestry 2006) again next year?
Alisa: Yes, of course, if they want me to mcee again, I will be more than happy to do it (balancing tins included).

- The End-

Average user rating

   (0 vote)