Christmas is the season of giving. In OVE, we believe to give the joy and fun to the vulnerables, especially the elderly.
(Group photo of OVE Team and St Luke Eldercare Jurong East Centre staffs after volunteering session)
On 6th December 2022, the OVE team went to Saint Luke's Elder Care Centre to interact with 50 seniors there. During the visit, we prepared few activities for the elderly to participate. This includes DIY session such as upcycling of tote bags and mask painting. Despite the language barriers between some members and the elderly due to their habit of speaking Mandarin or dialect, everyone still had fun together.
After the DIY session, the team also prepared a Karaoke session with the seniors. It was surprising that despite not a lot of members know how to speak Chinese dialects, many are so confident to sing the oldies infront of all the seniors for entertainment. Whether is the Mandarin song《一剪梅》(A Spray of Plum Blossoms) by Fei Yu Qing, or the Hokkien Song《我问天》(I ask Heaven) by Weng Liyou, these songs never fail to make all the seniors, as well as the volunteers to sing along as well.
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Well this was the first volunteer event I helped to organise, which put me way out of my comfort zone. To me, the event was quite messy at the start as everyone was really confused over the 1st activity, but the dust eventually cleared by the end. I didn't think I would've actually played such an active role? To the point of singing for such a large group, bit paiseh HAHA. Overall, really good experience and I couldn't have done it without my fellow ove members." - Zhe Yin, Programmer
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"Volunteering at St Luke’s Eldercare was a really fruitful and fun experience! Initially, I was afraid that I could not communicate with them fluently but thankfully they were all very welcoming. I enjoyed dancing and singing iconic oldies with them and spending the afternoon there!"
- Shan Yi, Publicity Head
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"Spending the day talking, playing, singing and dancing with elderly feels very meaningful and fulfilling. Not everyday I have the opportunity to talk with elderly and put smiles on their faces, I hope to have another in the near future."
- Hendy, Programmer
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December was really amazing when everybody get to interact and listen about their life stories. The team is thrilled to meet them again next year!
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