Singapore, 25 July 2015 – The annual Operation: Durian Mobilisation moved into
the heartlands of Marine Parade this year, attracting about 300 aficionados of the
prickly “King of Fruit”. At the Marine Drive Communal Hall, participants had plenty of
opportunities to bond over the impressive seven-course durian degustation, which
was curated by celebrity food blogger Dr. Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost.sg, and
coorganised by the Singapore Kindness Movement. The ticketed event sold out in just
three days, and as with previous editions, the proceeds went to a good cause – We
Care @ Marine Parade, a community enabling network that supports needy families
in the estate.
Now in its third year, the Durian Mobilisation evolved from Dr. Tay’s earlier Durian
Degustation event and was conceived as an opportunity to grow our love and
knowledge of the various durian cultivars, while recreating a casual kampong-like
setting where participants could bond with each other and make new friends. This
year’s Durian Mobilisation had a strong charity element too, going beyond donating
the event proceeds to charity, to also encouraging participants to donate common
household necessities like basic kitchen appliances, furniture, diapers and powdered
milk, to meet the needs of the We Care beneficiaries.We Care beneficiaries at Durian
Mobilisation 2015 Said Dr. Tay, “Ever since the first Durian Degustation in 2008, we
have made it a point to try and do some good for the community at the same time.
I’ve found that Singaporeans have been more than willing to come with their stomachs
empty, their wallets open, and their hearts full. This is why this year, we’ve included a
crowdsourcing component to help match the needs of some less fortunate families
with the generosity of those who are willing to share.”
Dr William Wan giving out durians to the participants of Durian Mobilisation 2015
Some 50 We Care beneficiaries were also present and joined participants in the
feast, which included D1, D88, Red Prawn, Green Bamboo, Golden Phoenix,
Kampong Durian and Mao Shan Wang.
Dr. William Wan, General Secretary of the Singapore Kindness Movement said, “Just
sitting down and sharing a meal with a neighbour is a joyful thing. Like durians, we
may adopt a hard and intimidating demeanour at times, as a means of selfpreservation.
But this attitude also discourages us from even trying to be neighbours
and friends to one another. Being here, sitting on a mat and sharing stories over
some delicious durians, we are reminded that underneath that hard shell, we are not
that much different after all. We are social and relational beings on the inside and
the joy shared by getting to know each other quickly removes any paralyzing
selfconsciousness we may have.”
For more information about the Durian Mobilisation, please
visit http://kindness.sg/durianmob/