Heartwarming 'Sticker Aunties' Bring Joy to Kids During Morning Commutes in Singapore

SINGAPORE – In the bustling environment of the Stadium MRT station, two women, affectionately known as the “sticker aunties,” have become a delightful presence for children during their daily train rides. For over a year, Madam Ayati Hassan and Madam Marfadina Mohamed Nossi have dedicated their mornings to brightening the faces of young commuters by gifting them colorful stickers.

These two SMRT train service ambassadors have established a routine of distributing stickers, bringing joy to children who may feel anxious about their school day ahead. Their thoughtful initiative targets those little ones who are sometimes found crying or distressed.

The stickers are not just any ordinary designs; they feature beloved cartoon characters like Pokémon and Pororo, along with images of vehicles and adorable animals. Understanding that many children at the station come from international backgrounds, likely due to nearby international schools, the sticker aunties wanted to create a welcoming environment for these young commuters.

Madam Ayati, 57, explained their choice: “We initially thought of giving sweets or chocolates to make them happy, but we discovered that eating in MRT stations is not allowed.” Instead, they decided on stickers, which they purchase themselves from the online marketplace Shopee, as they are affordable and convey kindness.

The kindness didn’t resonate immediately with all children. Madam Marfadina, 46, who has been an ambassador for six years, recounted their experience with a shy toddler named Alexander Ian Armour. His mother, Elena, shared that it took weeks for her son to warm up to the sticker aunties before a fire truck sticker won him over. Now, little Alexander eagerly runs to them each morning, excited to select his next sticker and apply them to his stroller.

Elena Armour, originally from Russia and a Singapore resident for 16 years, praised the sticker aunties’ efforts: “It is beautiful when people express genuine kindness without expecting anything in return, just out of love for children.” This sentiment is echoed by many parents, reflecting the positive impact these women have on families during the hectic morning commute.

As the sticker aunties continue their daily mission, Madam Ayati knows there will come a day when the children will grow up or move on, but her joy lies in spreading happiness in the present moment. “I’m just happy to put a smile on their faces every day,” she said, embodying the spirit of kindness and community that’s so crucial in today’s fast-paced world.

This simple yet powerful act of kindness serves as a reminder that those small gestures can foster a sense of belonging and joy, no matter where you come from – pure magic in the midst of a typical morning commute!