The model with a heart

However, 28-year-old Cordelia Low is more than just a pretty face. She is a passionate volunteer for children’s causes, and is already engaged for a couple of upcoming events this year.

Unknown to many, growing up with divorced parents forced Cordelia to become independent at a young age.

 

Motivated by her traumatic experience, Cordelia did not want any other child to go through the tough times she did while growing up. So, she started looking for opportunities to help children.

Her first foray into volunteerism began in 2014, when she started working with The Social Co, a social cause started by a group of passionate youths who raise money for lesser known charities. Fuelled by her interest in helping children, Cordelia picked The Children’s Aid Society as her charity partner under The Social Co.

Considering that she grew up with Cheryl Chong, the founder of The Social Co, Cordelia was able to better align herself with the cause.

“When (Cheryl) started this, she asked if I would like to be a part of it. I immediately agreed because I’ve always wanted to give back in any way I can, and this was a good opportunity,” said Cordelia, with a smile.

The former beauty queen rallied models from her own talent agency, AnticipatingDiva, and held a car wash at the Bacchanalia carpark to raise funds. In one afternoon, Cordelia and her team raised $2,000 for the Children’s Aid Society. She also raised an additional $6,000 worth of donations from friends and the public.

“It was quite amazing because it was raining on the day of the car wash. Yet, people still showed up to have their cars washed and to support the cause. It was so great to see people coming together like that,” said the bubbly and energetic fine arts graduate, who has been modeling for 11 years.

 

Finding volunteers for her charity events is hardly a problem for Cordelia. She often taps on her network of model friends and people in the industry for charity events, such as ‘The Vintage and Classic Car Ride’ in 2015.

Organised by Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore, Cordelia emceed for the event, while two of her fellow models flagged off the car rides that took 15 beneficiaries along Orchard Road to view the Christmas lights.

While Cordelia is deeply passionate about helping kids, she is an animal lover at heart too.

In March this year, she worked with Adopting Virtues, a community that works with stray or handicapped dogs. She participated in a photo shoot to help Adopting Virtues spread awareness about their adoption drive.

She also promoted their cause on her Instagram account, where she has over 14 thousand followers.

Her greatest wish? To help more animals. “I would adopt a dog myself, but I [already] have two adopted cats at home and it’s just not feasible right now,” she said regretfully.

While Cordelia tries her best to do as much as she can, she often feels that she cannot do as much as she would like to, due to her schedule and lack of manpower.

Cordelia said: “I enjoy volunteering, but it can get tough because I usually have to play chauffer for my models. When I ask them to help, they are [actually] doing a favour for me, so I do feel bad sometimes.”

This weekend, Cordelia will be emceeing at Music For A Cause, a two-day music festival that features five different social causes. “I’m really excited for it. It’s going to be a big event and I’m glad to be able to help out,” she said.

“If you are interested in volunteering, I suggest you just do it and remember to enjoy the moment,” added Cordelia, with another signature smile.