TSV is proud to participate in the 10th Flag Day on 17th July 2004 organised by Touch Community Services (TCS). This is a charity program organised by Faith Community Baptist Church to help people with special needs and underprivileged children. Over the past 12 years, TCS has reached out to more than 40,000 individuals from all religions and races. This year, the theme is Heart Counts, no matter how big or small the contributions, it is the heart to help that counts.

Despite the heavy rain in the morning, the Viruses appeared at East Coast and all ready to do their part for this cause. The floor was wet and slippery, but Viruses just went about moving gingerly on the track, off the track, in the shops, at the beach - all these activities on their fav mode of transport - the skates. The whole of East Coast was quiet in the morning, but the determined Viruses insisted to skate up to each and every jogger, army group, cyclist and skater. We were diligent enough to go to the food center even.

Viruses ZeroSpin, CK and I were in the same team. As we skated along East Coast, we were looking out for donors and see who would get to them first. Viruses never fail to have fun even when we are on a mission. Virus TT was busy snapping photos as usual, while Virus 003 and Cindy were busy chatting away.

Ethel: Daryl, "mai tu liao" (don't hesitate anymore) still don't go and ask for donations.

Cedric: Yah lah, Daryl still don't run and catch them.

Ethel: Hey.. Since it's so quiet here why don't we try at the food center. I'm sure there are more people there.

Before we knew it, the floor was drying up and more people were coming to East Coast. By afternoon the floor was dry enough for faster skating - enough for a workout! We were so busy working out... oops! I mean working, that we didn't even realize it was lunchtime. At about 1.30pm, the Viruses met up at the coffee shop for their fav tim-sum, noodles, ice-tea.

Sean: Hey look! My tin is heavy man. There were these 2 rolls of people walking and when I skated by, each one just took their turn to drop money into my tin! Happening!!

Cedric: Wah ! Yours is so heavy. Aiyoh my is so light. I must work harder after lunch.

Ethel: Mine mine!

Cedric: Wah yours is so heavy also.

Jenn: I've got a lot of $5 notes in mine.

Ethel: One guy asked me if we were everywhere and I said he can't run away. Then he said, "Aiya, better faster donate then." Hahahaha....

Jenn: Yayaya some of them said, "Wah you so fast on skates how to run from you?" Hahahaha... Some people said that we are so innovative - can travel distances and cover more areas.

Ethel: Wah.. There was this cyclist, she could cycle free hand & then take money from her pouch for me leh. Cool ar..??

We ended the day at 3pm as it started to drizzle. Viruses zoomed back to the car park to gear down & as usual, chitchat time. In the mist of gearing down, we were still looking out for donors.

Jenn: Ethel mia tu liao (faster).. There are people in the car.

With my laces untied, I rolled over to them.

Ethel: Excuse me. Would you like to buy a flag?

Donor: Wah like that also can ar? Nah.. $2.

We finally collect all the donation tins & headed for the collection center down town. What an exciting day! It was a fruitful day for all the Viruses. I've come to the conclusion that not only are Viruses good on their feet, they are good in where it matters too - the heart.

TCS collected a total of $400,000 this year & managed to surpass the amount raised last year.

Special thanks to all the Viruses and the other volunteers who participated in this event. No matter how heavy or light your tin was, it still makes a difference to the needy. It is the effort that counts. Good job guys and gals.

The lingo of the day: Thank You & Have a God Blessed day..