Caption: Mdm Chin (second from left) flanked by volunteers from Saeco and centre staff Mr Neo Aik Xin (extreme right)
Mdm Chin Tiau, 70, has never celebrated National Day. On 4 August 2017, her wish came true. Together with some 50 seniors from TOUCH Senior Activity Centre (TSAC) at Yishun Blk 436 and 20 volunteers from Seaco Asia Pte Ltd, she sang national day songs, and received hand-made flowers and oatmeal biscuits as gifts.
“This is my very first time taking part in National Day celebrations in the community. I am so happy I can come to this centre because it so near my home. I have always prayed about it. I can’t believe I will have this chance! When I recited the National Pledge, I almost teared, especially when I see all of us seniors pledging our loyalty to the country we love. I am thankful to TOUCH for giving me this opportunity to celebrate my country’s birthday,” said Mdm Chin.
“It is also nice to see volunteers making time for seniors like us. I am usually shy when talking to strangers but these volunteers made me feel comfortable. I smiled alot that day, especially when I was admiring the flowers I received from the volunteers,” added Mdm Chin.
Caption: Seniors in high spirits, celebrating national day with Seaco volunteers at TSAC (Yishun)
TSAC reaches out to the lonely, socially isolated and vulnerable seniors living in the HDB rental units, to provide care and support for those with little or no family support. Seniors like Mdm Chin are able to stay actively engaged in the community through TSAC’s extensive engagements with external stakeholders, including schools, corporate partners and individual supporters.
“TSAC at Yishun was only set up at the start of this year. We are touched by the enthusiasm of our new members in supporting our activities and inviting their neighbours to join them at the centre. Many have also expressed their desire to serve as volunteers. We are also heartened to see friendships formed among the different races. The smiles on their faces reaffirms the work we do here - in helping seniors spend their time meaningfully as they age well in the community,” said Mr Neo Aik Xin, centre staff at TSAC (Yishun).
If you wish to volunteer your services or engage seniors as part of your Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, please contact us at 6481 4158 or email [email protected].