With Chinese New Year fast approaching, the 6th Saints’ Advocate decided to spread some festive cheer among our elderly beneficiaries. Along with our monthly “Big Sweep” event, we collaborated with schools such as Raffles Institution, Catholic Junior College and St. Joseph’s Institution to put on a CNY themed concert for the old folk.
In addition to our usual Big Sweep activities of simple cleaning and decluttering of the homes of our assigned elderly and fostering interaction with them, we also spent that Saturday morning making CNY related handicraft with the use of ang paos to be displayed around the elderly folks’ homes. Such decorations included handmade lanterns and fish, which symbolise good fortune in the Chinese culture. Seeing the childlike grin on our uncle’s face when he saw the final products hanging on his doorway gave me a sense of fulfilment knowing that my team’s simple crafts had brought him a great deal of joy.
The CNY concert, held at Tembusu Seniors’ Activity Centre (SAC), had the elderly being treated to lunch while watching performances and playing games organised through the combined efforts of the students from the various schools. It was extremely heartening to see the elderly folk enthusiastically singing along to CNY songs with the students and participating actively in the BINGO games. I think seeing the old folk laughing, singing and enjoying themselves made me realise how collaborative effort and a willingness to make someone’s day is enough to create a deep sense of happiness for these elderly and how I too ought to appreciate the simple joys in my life.
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| The Sixth Playing Bingo with the elderly |
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