Adopt a bench in memory of a loved one

By Melissa Pang, The Straits Times, 1 Apr 2013

WHEN Ms Oh Ai Leng sits on a bench, just outside a tranquil butterfly garden, memories of her late father flit through her mind.

"I can feel and visualise my dad in the garden," said the 25-year-old administrator. "The butterfly garden was his second home. If he was not at home, we would find him here."

Yesterday, the Adopt-A-Bench programme was launched in the Tampines-Changkat ward in Tampines GRC, as a way for Singaporeans to remember a special person.

Mr Victor Oh, who died in January this year, at the age of 63, was a pioneer of the area's butterfly interest group.

He bred many of the insects that now flutter about the Tampines-Changkat butterfly garden, and was a key figure there, sharing his knowledge with volunteers and visitors.

It was a passion he pursued despite a painful battle with prostate cancer, said Ms Oh.

Yesterday, a bench just outside the garden was unveiled in his memory.

Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng said the adoption idea was something she had thought about for a while, inspired by what she had seen overseas.

"I've always thought that it's a nice touch because it shows the community has a sense of memory about people who have passed this place, and passed through this life," she said.

Added Ms Ng: "Victor contributed so much to the butterfly garden. He loved this place and being part of our volunteer group. This is a special and lasting way of honouring his memory."

Anyone - an individual or organisation - can adopt a bench in Tampines-Changkat. But priority is given to constituency residents and those with links to the area.

The adoption can be a way of remembering a person - living or dead - to honour those who have contributed to society, as a gift to a loved one, or to celebrate a special occasion or milestone.

It costs $500 to adopt an existing bench and $1,000 to install a new one. This covers the cost of the bench, a plaque with a personal message and maintenance.

Remaining proceeds will go towards maintaining the Tampines-Changkat Nature Centre and butterfly garden.

Members of the public can download an adoption form at www.tampines.org.sg