For the past four years, RDSS has been blessed to have the Lions Club of Singapore Katong as a close partner in bringing smiles to our families. From movie screenings to bowling sessions, they’ve stood by our side to create moments of joy, laughter, and togetherness for the rare community.
This is a reflection shared by Jonathan Tan, a long-time member of the Lions Club of Singapore Katong, who has been part of this meaningful journey from the start:
Jonathan giving CNY gift bags to RDSS families!
“My journey with RDSS started when I first learned about what the organisation does and got to visit some beneficiaries and their families at home. That visit left a deep impression on me — it made me realise how much more we could do to support them.
After that, I organised small projects like DIY gifts for beneficiaries based on their wish lists. Seeing their happiness reminded me why this work matters. Over time, our partnership with RDSS became something truly special — not just a collaboration, but a friendship built on care and understanding.
With the support of the government, I was able to encourage our club to keep working with RDSS, even when we had concerns about how to pitch our ideas. Our very first event, a movie screening, helped our members see and understand the rare community better. We met families with different interests and realised how much joy these simple experiences could bring.

Bowling Session on 6 December 2025
Through the years, from our movie outings to our bowling sessions, I’ve seen so many touching moments. I still remember one young beneficiary who tugged on one of our member, Chen Lian’s shirt, calling out to him — a small but powerful reminder that human connection means everything.
These events are always meaningful. They give visibility to those who are often unseen, bring our members and sponsors closer to the rare community, and build a stronger support network. Seeing the smiles, the courage, and the stories shared always inspires us to keep doing more.
Hearing from Patricia, the Co-Founder and other RDSS families — through their stories and videos — continues to move us deeply. Your strength, resilience, and love make every gathering unforgettable.
By coming together, we create awareness, build friendships, and inspire hope. That’s what makes this partnership between Lions Club of Singapore Katong and RDSS so meaningful.
Jonathan Tan
