Graphic designer Hadi Masron, 47, enjoys meeting people. A SAFRA member for 15 years, he also loves the outdoors. His passion for adventure sports first started in 2000, and he now enjoys a wide range of activities. “To name some, the outdoor sports I enjoy are trekking, mountain biking, trail running, kayaking, inline skating, rock climbing, abseiling, caving, windsurfing, swimming and orienteering,” he said. He added that he regularly utilises his lunchtime for physical training. It comes as no surprise, then, that the father of two became a SAFRA volunteer – a committee member with the SAFRA Adventure Club – last year.
The club, which inaugurated in 1989, has been organising trips and activities for SAFRA members with a love of rugged adventures, at all skill levels, for nearly 30 years now. Some of these trips have included visits to rivers, trails, waterfalls, dive sites and peaks throughout the region, such as in Malaysia and Indonesia, and as far away as Nepal. Back home, activities are also being organised all over Singapore, including at the SAFRA Adventure Sports Centre located at SAFRA Yishun.
A first-time volunteer, Hadi says that he has found his experience rewarding so far. “I get to share my knowledge with the committee and with the club’s members.” While balancing work and family with volunteering has its challenges, Hadi is not complaining, saying that there are “great benefits” to being in his position, busy as it may be.
Benefits such as meeting fellow adventure addicts, and being able to organise and take part in thrilling outdoor activities that he loves, which make it all worthwhile. Hadi said his best memories with the SAFRA Adventure Club so far have been participating in the club’s activities with fun and games fit for the family.
“My friends and family are involved in my favourite [outdoor] activities too,” he explained, adding that his children, aged nine and 10, also share his love of biking, swimming, trekking, rock climbing and inline skating.
“[The club] is a channel for me, and other volunteers, to impart knowledge and ideas to create even better events and activities for NSmen and their families.”
