"Reaching Out, Because We Care"! This is a Motto strong believed and upheld by the YP Community.

On 12 December 2009, YP young volunteers and Friends of YP organized a sightseeing tour for 60 elderly residents from the Lions Befrienders AMK home to Orchard Road and downtown for X’mas lightings. It was a very successful event that both the elderly and the volunteers had enjoyed tremendously.

It all started some weeks ago when a core group of volunteers from YP visited the Lions Befrienders home at AMK Blk 318 to explore opportunities for YP to reach out to the less fortunate and to extend a helping to these marginalized members of society. During that visit, it was discovered that the elderly residents being served by the home lacked companionship and had few opportunities to explore Singapore outside the confines of their own neighborhood. Thus the idea was born to bring them out on a sightseeing tour and to allow them to see firsthand the changes that had taken place in Singapore over the years.

It all started with the YP volunteers and friends of YP packing goodie bags then followed by a volunteer briefing. Then the volunteers helped to serve dinner for the elderly before they departed for their tour.

During the dinner, Comrades Dr Lam Pin Min, MP for AMK GRC, our  Guest of Honour, took time to chat with them, listening to them and distributed the goodie bags to each of the 60 elderly. This act of kindness and generosity brought smiles to the faces of the elderly as they seldom had such companionship in their daily lives.

To our surprise, Hong Chuang YP volunteer took the initiative to dress as a slightly underage and very trim-&-fit Santa Claus. He had kept his plan a secret from everyone, including the fellow volunteers, and his appearance dressed in the traditional Santa costume has certainly brought great surprise and laughter to everyone. He has also taken a picture with an 82 years old granny who is around his “age”.

After dinner, the volunteers all gathered to clear the place, took a group pictures before helping the elderly residents board the chartered buses.

Along the way, the volunteers pointed out the various landmarks and sights to the elderly residents. They also took turns to entertain them with karaoke singing. Some of the volunteers surprised everyone on board with their vocal prowess and knowledge of old folk songs. Other not-so-good singers sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” which was so comical that everyone was entertained.

In the bus journey, we took the group from Tanglin Road where the X’mas decorations started, all along Orchard Road and through the Marina Square shopping area, before stopping for a spot of sightseeing and photo-taking opportunities at the Singapore Flyer. Many of the elderly took the chance to stretch their limbs and scout around for photo-taking opportunities. An ongoing event at the Singapore Flyer presented them the opportunity to take pictures with 2 very pretty Sanitarians. Some of the more adventurous elderly residents even went for a bit of windows shopping at the shops located at the Singapore Flyer. Before boarding the buses for the return journey, everyone gathered together for a group photo to mark the happy occasion.

On the way back, there was more singing and entertainment. Some of the elderly also sang their favorite old folk songs to entertain everyone. The volunteers have also taken every opportunity to show the elderly the landmark on the way back.

The event came to an end when the buses arrived at the Lions Befrienders home at AMK. The elderly were happy but a little tired. Nevertheless they expressed their delight and gratitude by shaking our hands and thank us. They hope that YP can organize other events for them again in the future.

Below are some quotes and conversion capture during the whole trips. The volunteers were also humbled by the experience. Christine Chee, YP Sengkang West, said “The elderly had contributed to our nation. Such acts as helping them like what we did are little gestures of gratitude towards the very much they had given. It was truly enjoyable and fulfilling.” Agreeing with her, Hor Junda, Friend of YP Nee Soon South said “It was an eye opener for me, having to discover a segment of society that needs attention and concern. The activity was enriching, meaningful and helps open up my mind to the less well-off segment of the society.”

Fung Wei Liang, Friend of YP Nee Soon South remarked “The outing made me appreciate the importance of loving our elderly. It was time well spent when I saw their smiles during the whole trip.” And Joel, YP Serangoon exclaimed “The event was a great pleasure and interacting with the elderly exposed me to a fresh dimension of life.”

Shanti, YP Jalan Kayu, added “I felt very happy seeing the old people enjoying themselves and their smiles just melted my heart.” It was certainly a sentiment shared by each and every one of the volunteers that evening. This was especially so during this season of giving, as Meiyan, Friend of YP Nee Soon South commented “Interesting and meaningful for elderly to feel the spirit of X’mas and the joy of the season.” Ryan Tan,

YP Punggol South, was so touched that he was at a loss for words. Eventually he let out “Actions beyond words can describe.”

Ivan Goh, Chairman of YP Jalan Kayu summed it up best when he said “I am enthralled by the elderly’ spirit and passion, especially witnessing their commendable and professional karaoke session. This trip has reverberated old fond memories of Orchard Road that has been revitalized with heart warming Christmas lighting and modern shopping centers that would have lasting impression. Kudos to all volunteers of YP and Friends of YP who have made this possible”!

The volunteers from YP were very fortunate to have experienced such an event. Bringing the elderly out on a sightseeing trip that evening had been an eye-opener. Reflecting on the event, it was certainly an enriching experience and hopes YP Community to have more of such opportunities to help and assist these less fortunate of our society.

Lionel Lim
Assistant Branch Secretary
Sengkang West