Bringing Festive Cheer to the Elderly Community 给独居老人送上佳节的祝福

I have been busy visiting the needy elderly community to bring some festive cheer to them. A friend roped me in to help her, we have to go door-to-door to check on their health and distribute shopping vouchers. I have a list of elderly people to visit and have to finish the visitations by the end of this year.

In between I have to prepare for my Christmas Eve dinner party and Christmas Day tea party, so it was an extremely busy fortnight for me. I hardly have time to post on my blog.

I have to visit a whole block of apartments by myself and I was quite anxious initially. I had a briefing on the "Dos and Don'ts" before my volunteering work. It wasn't easy gaining the trust of these senior citizens.

I meet many senior citizens and hear many sad stories ..... it becomes quite depressing hearing these day after day, but I have to complete my list of people to visit. I salute my friends who are social workers. They have been serving these people for many years, bringing hope and joy to the needy.

The senior citizens are very nice to me after I gain their trust. Despite having very little to offer, they kindly made me hot drinks or give me snacks. They were happy to receive the shopping vouchers.

On Thursday, I came across a very depressing scene that made me tear and had to call it a day because I was so emotionally overwhelmed.

I came across this senior citizen who was blind in one eye, walks with difficulty and cannot speak coherently. His tiny apartment was sparse, there was a thin mattress and cardboard that he would sleep on for the whole day.

After much asking and probing, I was horrified to discover that he eats only one meal for five days a week - a volunteer would send him food on working days (Mondays to Fridays). He has no meals on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

I asked him what he would like to eat and he said, "Teh C (Milk tea)". He is a Hainanese. He doesn't want rice, cooking oil, instant noodles and coffee. I couldn't see any cooking stove in his apartment. He said he could boil water.

I hurried down to the nearest neighbourhood mini mart and bought him some biscuits, bread and 3-in-1 milk tea. His face lit up upon receiving these (luxuries to him), and he quickly stored them away.

These would probably last for a week while I seek more assistance for him.  

For the coming new year, show kindness and concern to those who are weak, poor, underprivileged and handicapped.



佳节时期, 一些乐龄人士被人们遗忘并忽略。有位朋友邀请我帮忙在这佳节时期为乐龄人士送上关爱和佳节欢乐。我有一份名单, 得一一上门去探望社区独居老人们, 查看他们的健康状况, 再给他们派送一些礼卷, 送上佳节的祝福。

这两个星期接触的独居老人们, 个个都有心酸的故事。每天听这些伤心事, 我自己也觉得很难过。不过为了赶在年尾完成我手上的名单, 我不得不咬紧牙根, 硬撑下去。

我向社会工作者们致敬。 他们多年来一直为这些人服务，为有需要的人带来希望和欢乐。

令我很难过的是 : 有一个乐龄人士, 他一只眼睛瞎了, 走路有困难，口齿不清。他小小的政府组屋里, 地上有一个薄薄张的床垫和纸板，他会睡一整天。

经过我多次询问，我惊骇地发现，他每周只吃五餐 - 由义工在工作日（星期一至星期五）送饭给他吃。星期六，星期日和公众假期他就没有饭吃。

我问他想吃什么? 他回答 : 茶稀。(他是海南人。)

我赶紧去附近的杂货店买了饼干, 面包和3合1茶包送他。他高高兴兴的收下我的好意, 小心翼翼地把食品藏好。这些食品对他可是奢侈品。

在新的一年里，希望大家多多关注保护贫困与弱势群体。

YMCA Silver Fiesta 2016 @Toa Payoh Hub YMCA银发乐龄2016年嘉年华活动

Experienced a fun and hilarious bus ride on the way to a morning breakfast gathering with a group of Hainanese at Kim Keat Palms. We boarded the wrong shuttle bus (number 235) and went "eat wind" (for a ride), causing us to be late for half an hour. hahaha....

On a positive note, we found some interesting places on the long ride. And to reward us for being present : good food and good company which cheered us up tremendously.

After a sumptuous breakfast, I boarded shuttle bus number 238 to Toa Payoh Central to support my Teochew sisters who were performing Teochew opera excerpts at YMCA Silver Fiesta 2016 @Toa Payoh Hub.

Before their performance commenced, I went round to mingle with our seniors and check out the activities. There were quite a number of young volunteers looking after the senior citizens and keeping them company at some activities.

This senior citizen wowed the audience with her rendition of English oldies. I was impressed with her guitar playing.

There were some game stalls and craft-making classes for participants. Some participants tried their hands at bead crafting with the help of young volunteers.

I'm pretty impressed with the art pieces made by them. They get to keep their artworks.

There was a photo booth and a long queue has formed in front of it. The seniors love to take pictures. When I pointed my camera at some of them, they gave me their most beautiful smiles.  :)

The participants were having fun and enjoying themselves. Many collected some cute prizes and door gifts. A pity I could not stay long as I had to leave for another appointment after the Teochew opera performance.


今早与海南乡亲们在大巴窑7巷小贩中心一起吃早餐后, 就去大巴窑中心支持我的潮州姐妹们。她们在YMCA银发乐龄2016年嘉年华活动中, 表演了一段潮剧《穆贵英招亲》。

嘉年华现场还提供乐龄文康休闲活动, 他们可以免费参加许多趣味性游戏或学做手工, 还有礼物拿。我很高兴看到好多青年志愿者细心照顾、陪伴乐龄人士们玩游戏。大家都相处得很愉快, 玩得开心。

Durian Party for 200 @ Amber 200位居民的榴莲派对!

200 residents bought tickets and came together for a durian party at Amber. 500 kg of durians comprising D13, D24 and Musang King were consumed. Wow.


Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Deputy Speaker of Parliment, Adviser to Mounbatten Grasssroots Organization and MP for Mounbatten SMC was invited to the party.

But he didn't eat a single durian, he was busy opening durians for us.

Mr Lim's parents were fruit sellers and he used to help them at their fruit stall when he was younger. So he was opening durians like a pro. haha....

He even showed us how to open durians. I told my hubby to learn from him. LOL

Residents came as early as 6.40 pm to register despite the durian party starting at 7.30 pm. We ate cherries, mangosteens, lychees and tangerines while we waited. For the kids, there were candy, potato crisps and chocolates.

When the durians were served, every one just dug into it. The aroma of durians filled the air. You see some people struggling to open the durians while others just sitting there eating leisurely.

After an hour of non-stop eating, some gave up and happily licked their fingers. Many continued eating. It is a rare chance to eat durians until you puke and not only with family members, but with so many friends and neighbours. LOL

Remember to drink salt water from a durian husk ah!
记得吃完榴莲要用榴梿壳喝盐水 :D

After the durian feast, we went into the club house for a dialogue session with Mr Lim. Several residents gave feedback and were concerned about the upcoming MRT line in Marine Parade. Residents stayed back to chat with Mr Lim even after the session ended.


恐怖榴莲派对! 500公斤的榴莲! 200位居民一起吃榴莲! 我们的国会副议长林谋泉不只为我们示范开榴梿, 还亲自为我们开榴梿。大家都吃得好开心。

Free Haircut for the Elderly 为乐龄免费理发

I accompanied my hubby to Hougang to do community work. Every third Wednesday at Block 156 Hougang Street 11, Workers' Party members and volunteers would provide free hair cut for the elderly residents (age 60 and above).

On that morning there were 6 hair stylists who volunteered their hair cutting service. I was glad to see a familiar face helping at the event. He is George, the ex-President of Mensa Singapore, we once worked together on several community projects.

George is in charge of breakfast for the senior citizens. He and another volunteer were busy making hot beverages and also handing out cakes, biscuits and cut fruits. The senior citizens ate their breakfast or have a cup of hot beverage while waiting for their turns for a free haircut.

Member of Parliament Chen Show Mao was chatting with the senior citizens but came over to say "Hello." He thanked the volunteers for helping. As he had an interview appointment, he excused himself and sat with the interviewer at the far end of the void deck.  

There were only 25 residents who came for the haircut that morning. Usually there are between 30 to 50 people. With 6 hair stylists working hard, the queue was quickly cleared. We helped to sweep and clean up the place before going for breakfast at a nearby coffee shop.


陪我先生做社区服务。每个月的第3个星期三, 工人党成员和义工们为社区里有需要的年长者免费理发。当天25名乐龄居民参加6名志愿者理发师所提供的免费理发。每个乐龄居民还能享用早餐和热饮。阿裕尼集选区国会议员陈硕茂走了过来和我们打招呼。

Care & Share Thank You Show “关怀与分享运动”答谢晚会

I was invited to the Care and Share "Thank You" event last night. 4 ministers graced the occasion.

Guest-of-Honour
Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic and Social Policies

Special Guests
Mr Heng Swee Kiat, Minister for Finance

Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office

Mr Tan Chuan Jin, Minister for Social and Family Development

Several celebrities performed at this event attended by 4,000 beneficiaries, donors and volunteers. We were not informed who would be the performers.

So I was elated to see Hong Kong popular Cantopop singer Frances Yip. She performed her famous track - Shanghai Bund (1980), to the delighted screams and cheers of her fans. She looks so good at age 69. Wow.


The other celebrities were Dick Lee and Joi Chua.

In December 2013, the Care and Share Movement was started to mark the 50th anniversary of Singapore's independence in 2015.

Over a period of more than two years, with the Government matching dollar-for-dollar to donations received, a total of S$1.3 billion were distributed to more than 240 charities for the benefit of many.

28th April 2016
The Max Pavilion @ Singapore Expo

2016年4月28日（星期四），晚上7时正，假新加坡博览中心（The Max Pavilion）举行“关怀与分享运动”答谢晚会。大会主宾为副总理兼经济及社会政策统筹部长尚达曼先生。其他3位出席活动的部长是财政部长王瑞杰先生，新加坡总理公署部长陈振声先生和社会及家庭发展部长陈川仁先生。

配合2015年我国庆祝独立50周年，公益金在2013年连同本地约240个志愿福利团体发动大规模的“关怀与分享运动”。运动获得政府以一元对一元的方式捐款支持，在这期间筹得1,300,000,000元。

昨晚我应邀和4000位受益人，捐赠者和志愿者参加答谢活动晚会。有数位实力派歌手参与演出。

我们没有被告知谁是表演者。叶丽仪的到来让大家都有些兴奋。叶丽仪演唱百听不厌的经典老歌 -上海滩（1980年）, 赢得群众如雷般的掌声。哇! 69岁的她, 还是那么漂亮!

演唱者还有新加坡流行音乐女歌手蔡淳佳, 本地资深音乐人李迪文。

Speak Good English Movement 2013 Media Briefing

Ms Florence Ang, Director, College Service; Ms Judith D'Silva Deputy Director (Plans Department), NEXUS Ministry of Defence; Mrs Wai Yin Pryke, Principal of English Language Institute of Singapore; Mr Goh Eck Kheng, Chairman, Speak Good English Movement; Mr Kenny Leck, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Books Actually.

I attended the Speak Good English Movement (SGEM) press conference where I have a sneak peek of the programmes and activities they have lined up this year. Launched by then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in 2000, the Speak Good English Movement is a nationwide movement to encourage Singaporeans to speak standard English that is universally understood.

The Speak Good English Movement encourages all Singaporeans to improve their English with Ten Simple Tips. Among the tips are to read on a regular basis, listen to the way people speak good English, and think before speaking. With these tips, the Speak Good English Movement wants all Singaporeans to take action this year by actively seeking out the tools and resources that are available to increase their language proficiency. The other tips will be revealed during the campaign's launch on May 15.


Several food and beverage outlets like Toastbox, Ya Kun  and Kopitiam have come onboard to help spread these ten tips to more people.

Mr Goh Eck Kheng, chairman of the Speak Good English Movement

Since gaining independence in 1965, English is taught as a first language and is also the most dominant language in Singapore. It is also used as the medium of instruction in all public schools.

Several teacher friends shared with me the situation in our schools recently. They have a real problem in getting students to write in grammatically accurate language be it English or Mother Tongue. Reading some of their essays or comprehension answers, I fear that our advantage in English will be eroded if we do not continue to emphasise the importance of the proper use of the English language. It is crucial to educate people from young.

Singlish has become increasingly pervasive, we hear it on television and even in places of commerce. As Singlish is part of our culture now, it is hard for Singaporeans to speak proper English. (I am guilty of using Singlish in my daily life, I will try hard to use proper English from now on and set a good example to my kids. :P)
 

As a parent and educator, I would be more than happy to see my child fall in love with reading. Helping our child to form this habit early has many benefits as reading stimulates imagination, strengthens memory and grows confidence.

With a large number of foreigners working as service staff in Singapore, we have a problem communicating with them due to their lack of simple English. Ya Kun International conducted a simple training for their service staff to speak good English. Ya Kun would also love to have customers to speak to them in English, give them a bit of challenge, and through this, hope that their staff will have the opportunity to express themselves in English more and to take up this chance to practise what they've learned about basic English.

Let's have fun learning and improving our English. :)  Improve your English

The Mozzie Wipeout - Campaign Against Dengue in Singapore

Our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong kicked off the "Do The Mozzie Wipeout" campaign 

with the unveiling of the campaign logo at Mayflower Mall.

“Do the Mozzie Wipeout” campaign was officially launched on 28 April 2013 by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, and Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong. This campaign calls on everyone in the community to do their part to prevent dengue. The numbers of dengue cases hit the 500 mark this week, the NEA forecasts that the situation could get worse as the typical dengue peak season approaches.

As of 3rd May 2013, 5823 dengue cases cumulative since 1 Jan 2013.

MP Lim Biow Chuan going door-to-door to spread the message

Without everyone in the community to do their part to remove mosquito breeding in our homes, Singapore cannot break the chain of dengue transmission. The Aedes mosquito breeds in artificial containers mainly found in homes, and its life-cycle averages seven days. To break the breeding cycle,  do the 5-Step Mozzie Wipeout regularly.

In an island-wide effort, volunteers will also be going house-to-house to spread the message and show residents, especially senior citizens, how to prevent and get rid of potential mosquito-breeding sites in their homes, to complement the educational visits that NEA officers have been conducting.

Volunteers will also be looking out for potential mosquito-breeding grounds in their neighbourhood.

I had dengue fever in 2005. It was a terrifying and miserable experience. I hope nobody has to go through it.

To keep our community safe, we hope more of our neighbours can join us. Together, we can stop the spread of dengue, and keep our families, friends and neighbours safe.

Tribute of Love (Part I) - RT/WW

On 20th June 2009, I was invited to the Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 'Tribute of Love' Father's Day Luncheon at Changi Prison Complex. Guests-of-honour included Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Home Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli BMM and MP Denise Phua (Jalan Besar GRC).

Senior Parlimentary Secretary, Education and Home Affairs, Mr Masagos Zulkifli (left) and Director of Prisons Mr Ng Joo Hee (in uniform) speaking to guests at the luncheon

It was a special day for the finalists who have cooked and dedicated their winning recipes as a tribute of love to their strongest pillar of support: their families.

When the dishes were served, several elderly parents were visibly touched. It was the first time their child has cooked for them. They nodded and smiled as they savoured the food, they were so proud of their child at that moment.

When the chefs from SHATEC went round to speak to the family members, many thanked them for giving their children a second chance. They were extremely grateful for the support and help given.

Family members thanking the chefs from SHATEC

I saw one finalist pass a Father's Day message to his elderly Dad. Written in Chinese, when it was read out, tears welled in the eyes of the elderly man. It was a touching moment.

family members were served the winning dishes

The champions from Khalsa Crescent Prison won S$500 cash and together with the other 2 teams which have made their way to the finals, will get the chance to undergo a 35-week certified culinary training course conducted by SHATEC and sponsored by staff of Temasek Holdings.

Performers from the SPS Performing Arts Centre

Besides a sumptious lunch, we enjoyed a lovely performance put up by the SPS Performing Arts Centre. Their melodious rendition of 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree' keeps playing in my head..... until today. :D

Chef Catan Tan to the finalists : 'All of us are here today, because .... we Care'.

Photos - courtesy of Singapore Prison Service

Wordless Wednesday

First Commenter - Mama asid

50 Plus Active Ageing Carnival 2009 - WS

Dance, Grandpa, dance!

When I started planning for my retirement, I wanted to live near a beach and spend my remaining days fishing or gardening, dozing off in my rocking chair.......

Can you imagine EastCoastLife retiring? I wanted to lead a quiet sedate life until ...... I went to this Active Ageing Carnival and discover lifestyle choices that seniors can embark on.

It wants to promote an active ageing culture amongst seniors in Singapore. Turning 50 can be healthy and fun!

A senior tries his hand at archery

Surprisingly, I am a good archer. My hubby Chris protested vehemently against my taking up archery. He said he would not be able to run faster than my arrows. hahaha......

Rock n Roll with Singapore First Elvis Fan Club

Chris' eyes sparkled like diamonds and his body started gyrating when he saw these seniors rock n roll like the King on stage. Oh boy! You should have seen these people perform! More on this club in my next post.

Contact : sfefc2004@yahoo.com.sg

Learn Cantonese Opera

Cantonese opera is a traditional Chinese art involving music, singing, acting, martial arts and acrobats. But this art is slowly dying in Singapore. I was glad to find this group that offers opera lessons. Let's see if I'm cut out to be an opera singer. :P

For Enquiry, call Lam Kam Ping Cantonese Opera : 9119 2661

Free medical screening

Besides the mind boggling variety of activities, seniors also enjoy special deals and promotions.

arggghhhh.... I couldn't enjoy the discounts because I'm still far from age 50! :P




weekend-snapshot

First Commenter - stanley

Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 (Finals) - WW

Stuffed Chicken Thigh

The dishes that were being brought in looked yummy, but I did not get a chance to taste them. These scrumptious dishes were prepared in a prison kitchen ..... by inmates.

They were the 12 finalists from both the mens' and womens' prisons taking part in the Yellow Ribbon Cooking Competition 2009 held in Changi Prison Cluster A on 26th May. The competition was a challenge to these participants because each team was given a set of predetermined ingredients and basic kitchen equipment to work with.

Under the watchful eyes of prison officers present in the kitchen, the participants went about their tasks. Knives and even vegetable peelers were chained to a kitchen bench. One team had to improvise a heart-shaped mould from aluminium foil. They had to produce the dishes within a time limit.

pan seared Salmon

The dishes presented not only earned the praises of the judges but captured the hearts of the invited guests and prison officers. I was amazed when I was told some of the participants had little cooking experience and only went through 3 cooking lessons with SHATEC Institute's trainers. And the women particpants had no kitchen in their prison to practise for this competition.

Judges : (L to R) Catan Tan, Tony Khoo, Paolo Zambrano,Matthew Yim

The dishes were judged by 4 chefs - Tony Khoo (Executive Chef, Marina Mandarin), Paolo Zambrano (Executive Sous Chef, SATS Catering), Matthew Yim (Vice Principal, SHATEC Institute) and Catan Tan (SHATEC Institute).

The champion team is from Khalsa Crescent Prison. Besides cash, the winners will be given an opportunity to cook their winning dishes for their families. I hope to be invited for this special occasion. There would be touching moments.

Chef Tony Khoo was surprised at the particpants' high level of creativity despite the constraints of the prison kitchen. He was impressed with the enthusiasm and good working attitude of the participants. He would be more willing to hire ex-offenders if they display such qualities.

Vice Principal of SHATEC Institute, Chef Matthew Yim was certainly proud of these participants. They show a willingness to learn and take in criticisms. It was a satisfying and rewarding experience for his school to support such a meaningful project.

ECL with Matthew Wee (Head, Public Affairs, Singapore Prison Service)

I was invited to this event by Singapore Prison Service.

For security reasons, my personal particulars was submitted prior to attending the event. I was allowed to carry only a notebook and a pen, all my belongings were left in a locker at the Prison Link Centre.

I went through barricade after barricade, security was so tight within the prison compound. It was not easy for EastCoastLife to go to jail. :P Surprisingly, I was getting more excited as each auto gate closed behind me. :D

I was warmly welcomed by Matthew Wee (Head, Public Affairs), the officers of SPS and SCORE (Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprise).

Lunch was catered from SCORE's Catering & Central Kitchen. The dishes are cooked by inmates. I would recommend its really yummy Brownie and mini custard puff!

******************** ooo OOO 000 ********************

More than 11,000 ex-offenders complete their sentences and are released from our prisons and drug rehabilitation centres (DRCs) annually. The Yellow Ribbon Project helps the reformed inmates put their past behind them, especially when they try their level best at home, at work and in the community.

Support the Yellow Ribbon Project.

Photos - courtesy of Singapore Prison Service

Wordless Wednesday

First Commenter - Ayie