Whether you are a full-time NSF or ORNS personnel, your dedication towards our nation's defence is applaudable and undeniable.
As part of NS45, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will provide about $100 million worth of SAFRA and HomeTeamNS benefits to more than 900,000 NSmen as an appreciation for their vital contributions to defence.
If you are a male Singaporean or PR who is serving or already done with NS, check your eligibility at https://ns45.safra.sg/Register.aspx.
SAFRA VOUCHERS
Since I am still serving my ORNS (previously known as reservist), I am eligible for $80 worth of SAFRA vouchers and a year's free SAFRA Membership.
The NS45 SAFRA vouchers are accepted by over 170 merchants and 5,000 outlets island-wide.
With the vouchers, I could go on a cruise, take up fencing, dine at Jack's Place or even go for a karaoke session at PartyWorld KTV!
Below are some of the participating merchants.
This list is not exhaustive.
For a complete listing, do check out http://ns45.safra.sg.
SAFRA MEMBERSHIP
It is interesting to know that the 4 wings of the SAFRA logo signifies integration of the 4 races and the sports, educational, cultural and social arms of SAFRA while the colour red signifies patriotism.
Indeed, SAFRA has come a long way with it's first temporary clubhouse built in 1972 at Prince Edward Lane. The clubhouse first started out with the aim to strengthen the camaraderie between NSmen and also to recognise them for their contributions towards National Defence by offering value-added services and membership perks.
With the completion of the Jurong clubhouse in 2007, SAFRA now have clubhouses in the north, south, east, west and central Singapore, readily accessible to all SAFRA members. These five clubhouses are conveniently located at Yishun, Mount Faber, Tampines, Jurong and Toa Payoh respectively.
SAFRA Jurong
Since Jurong clubhouse is the nearest to me, I took the opportunity last weekend to check out the facilities available which I could use when my membership card arrives in the mail.
Stepping into the main entrance, what caught my eye was Kidz Amaze. Kidz Amaze (pictured left) has got to be the most sophisticated and interactive 3-storey indoor playground I had ever seen.
It features one of the highest indoor spiral slides in Asia and the tallest interactive foam ball arena.
Kids would definitely have a field day here running around the multi-level play centre while expending their boundless energy.
There is even a linked party room on the third floor where your kids could hold their birthday parties!
If you are more interested to enrol your kid in gym class, there is BazGym Gymnastic School at your service which is fully equiped with trampolines and large foam pits.
However, I believe the most popular facility with both kids and adults alike at the clubhouse is non other than the swimming pool!
With our hot and humid climate, who could resist from taking a dip in the water?
Kids pool
Fret not if you are wondering whether everything here is catered just for kids. There is definitely something to keep everyone satisfied.
When was the last time you kept in touch with your camp mates? Why not take this opportunity to meet up with them to make full use of the SAFRA vouchers and Membership?
Jack's Place
Fall in with your bunk mates over a steak here at Jack's Place or Joy Garden Restaurant. If you prefer Japanese food, however, there is always Ishi Mura and Sakura International Buffet Restaurant to whet your appetite.
Lan gaming
Missed those days at the war game centre? Refresh your skills here with your whole platoon! With 40 units of 19" LCD screens here, there is enough terminals for everyone.
EN GARDE!
K Box
Show off your vocals to your brother-in-arms here at K Box. Try not to sing Gangnam Style anymore or it might be the last time you see them... ever.
Tennis court
Still got some bursts of adrenaline left? How about a game of tennis with your buddy?
BBQ pit
What is a gathering without BBQ? Glutton Company fall in!
Just to share, my brother-in-law actually booked a BBQ pit here two years ago. Unfortunately, there was a sudden downpour and the strong winds swept in all the rain.
The leaf-shaped canopy proved no match against the torrential rain thus we shield the BBQ pit with a umbrella and had to wrap up the kids in black trashbags!
It was the most memorable BBQ experience I had!
With so many services and facilities housed conveniently under one roof, SAFRA clubhouse is definitely the place to be for all your social and recreational needs. It is built for the benefit of us NSmen anyway so might as well utilise it, right?
To all our past and present NSmen who had served the Nation selflessly so that the rest of us could sleep soundly, here is a big THANK YOU for keeping our homeland safe from all threats!
*Reminder: Don't forget to register for Dad too!