Grant Pereira was named the winner of the People of Good (senior) award at this year’s President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards.

 

The President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards (PVPA), which is organised by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), recognises individuals, organisations and leaders who have achieved excellence in giving. Under the category of People of Good Awards, which celebrates people who have given their time, talent and voice in benefit of different communities, there are three awards given including students, adults and seniors.

This year, 73-year-old Grant Pereira was the winner of the People of Good (senior) award. Find out why he was chosen in an article published by NVPC, which has been approved for reprinting:

Coming from a long line of pioneer environmentalists, Grant has always found nature and greenery a place familiar like home, from a young age.

Taught by his father and grandmother, he picked up gardening at 15 and naturally soon after, volunteering.

An influential and passionate advocate, Grant’s work in environmentalism and wildlife protection spans across borders. For over 40 years, his giving has impacted various people and places in Singapore and across the region, mobilising attention, resources and volunteers toward the many green efforts he spearheaded.

Over the years, Grant has helped to plant trees with The Green Volunteers in the Million Tree Project and built various butterfly and biodiversity gardens across many places in Singapore, including the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Pasir Ris Garden and Tampines Eco Garden.

On the regional front, he has regularly visited countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, China and India to help with reforestation and wildlife conservation efforts as well as bringing resources such as medical supplies for the local communities.

Unafraid to confront what he sees as cruel treatment of animals, he contributed to awareness and influenced campaigns to discourage the consumption of sharks fin and the import of a whale shark for commercial entertainment in Singapore with groups like Sea Shepherd and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

At 73, Grant still believes he has much to give, albeit at a pace of slowing down. He wishes to see the world evolve into a cleaner, greener and fairer place and to “inspire young people and groom the next generation of environmentalists in Singapore to care for Mother Earth and make a difference”.

 

(** PHOTO CREDITS: Cliff Tan/Photographic Society of Singapore)