Caption: Second row from left: NHG HQ volunteers Ms Sheena Ng, Ms Eleanor Goh, and Mr Wu Wei Yan with THC client Mr Chia Gee Hoe at the S.E.A. Aquarium
Some 30 National Healthcare Group (NHG) staff and TOUCH Home Care (THC) seniors visited the S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa on 16 August. NHG staff were paired with elderly participants during the outing.
"I tried to interact with a participant by speaking loudly into his ears but he still could not hear. When I heard that he could read and write, I decided to use text messages on my hand phone to communicate - and it worked!" quipped Mr Alfonso Lim from NHG.
There were 10 seniors from THC and a caregiver, accompanied by some 20 volunteers from NHG. The outing was part of NHG’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to encourage staff to give back to the community. The outing allowed NHG staff to appreciate and understand the hard work and dedication put in by volunteer welfare organisations while allowing for staff to bond with community partners and to accomplish NHG’s vision of Adding Years of Healthy Life.
Caption: A meaningful outing for both THC clients and NHG HQ volunteers
For volunteers like Mr Wu Wei Yan, 27, and Ms Sheena Ng, 29, being able to speak in Teochew came in handy as they interacted with Mr Chia Gee Hoe, 82, who has prostate cancer. “I used to speak in Teochew to my 93-year-old grandfather. He passed on recently. I am thankful for this opportunity to bring these seniors out as I know how hard it is for them to get out of their homes,” said Mr Wu.
The elderly were amazed by the various sea creatures as they interacted with the volunteers. Mr Teo Eng Guam, 74, was all smiles as he scrutinised the fishes and asked if they could be eaten. The outing brought back memories of his time in a boat out at sea when he was young.
Caption: Mr Tan Siew Hoon (middle) enjoying his ice-cream with Mr Eric Chu (left) and Mr Alfonso Lim (right)
The day ended on a high as the volunteers enjoyed ice-cream with the seniors. Although visibly tired, everyone went home with a smile.
THC would like to extend special thanks to the volunteers from NHG who uplifted the spirits of our seniors that day. Should you wish to volunteer with THC or donate, please call 6804 6565 or email [email protected].