The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as our special guests, our Meals-on-Wheels elderly beneficiaries, stepped into Sophia Cooke Ballroom at YWCA Fort Canning to celebrate the Chinese New Year. For the first time since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our beneficiaries were able to participate in a large-scale festive event that was specially curated for them. The luncheon allowed them to socialize, meet new friends and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Our guests taking photos with the decorations outside Sophia Cooke Ballroom

The ballroom and walkway were transformed into a vibrant and festive space with traditional Chinese New Year decorations that adorned the walls, ceilings, and elegant tables with festive centerpieces. The ambience brought smiles to the faces of our beneficiaries as everyone soaked in the festive atmosphere.

As our beneficiaries settled into their seats, volunteers and YWCA staff continued mingling among them to ensure that everyone felt included. The warm and friendly atmosphere was palpable as people of all ages and backgrounds shared stories and laughter. From welcoming our beneficiaries at the entrance of YWCA Fort Canning to ushering them into the ballroom, our volunteers ensured that our guests had everything they needed to enjoy the day.

One of our guests, Mdm Boh, said, “It has been two years since the COVID-19 restrictions, and I can feel that some of the elderlies are suffering from loneliness because they rarely step out of the house. This event helps them to socialise more, and everyone feels excited.”

A Temasek Polytechnic volunteer ushering our guest to Sophia Cooke Ballroom.

Our guests were treated to various activities and games, but one of the main highlights was the Bingo game, which brought a lot of excitement and fun. The crowd waited in anticipation as the emcees called out each number on stage, hoping to mark off the numbers on their Bingo cards.

Our guests waiting in anticipation for their numbers to be called out

As the game progressed, the excitement in the room grew. Finally, as the last number was called, a handful of guests shouted in triumph, with their eyes gleaming with joy as they came forward to collect their Fairprice vouchers, kindly sponsored by Ms. Selene & Ms. Shirley. It was indeed a heartwarming moment.

Gleaming with joy as he came forward to collect his prize

However, the true value of this game was more than just about the prizes. It was the connections that were forged among our guests and volunteers sitting at the same table that made it special. The game opened the opportunity for our guests to interact with each other. This is especially precious for elderlies who have had to endure long periods of isolation due to the pandemic.

Another event highlight was the six-course banquet lunch, which was specially prepared along with Yusheng. Our guests were given individual plates and chopsticks as they poured each ingredient representing different blessings and good wishes for the new year onto the large plate of Yu Sheng. The Yu Sheng toss was a hit with the guests and volunteers as it created a feeling of unity and camaraderie. A big thanks to YWCA Fort Canning’s Chef and Kitchen crew for cooking that very special CNY feast for our guests.

Guests and volunteers coming together to toss the Yu Sheng

Toward the end of the event, we invited past years’ finalists of the Golden Age Talent Time show to perform for our guests. The talented performers serenaded our guests with some festive songs and popular oldies like “Country Road” and “永远无怨的是我的双眼”.

Finalists of the Golden Age Talent Time show serenaded our guests with festive songs and popular oldies

Our guests clapping along to their favourite songs

A sense of nostalgia filled the air as our guests clapped and danced to familiar songs. The performance brought much liveliness to the event! Thank You to the finalists of the Golden Age Talent Time show for the wonderful performance and for spending the afternoon with us.

Happy faces of our volunteers

 

It was a day of fun for our guests and a day to remember for many as they left the ballroom with big smiles on their faces and red packets in their hands, feeling not only joyful and uplifted from the day’s festivities but also grateful for the kindness from our sponsors and volunteers. The event was a testament to YWCA’s commitment to fostering close community and social connections and a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a difference in people’s lives.

When asked what the best part of the event was, our guests, Mdm Nurul said, “I liked the event so much!” and Mdm Siti added, “The prizes were good, and everything was so great! I was excited about the event. The games and performances were good, and I hope YWCA can organise this every year.”

New friendships forged between our beneficiaries and volunteers

Our guest celebrating her birthday at our MOWE Luncheon! Happy Birthday!

The volunteers who helped support the event felt that it was a meaningful day as they could put a smile on the faces of the elderly. Adelina, our volunteer, said, “The best part was to see the elderly so happy, getting to socialize and mingle, to meet new friends, and to spark some joy during this Chinese New Year. It was fun to see the elderlies from different communities come together to celebrate the new year.

“I think this is a wonderful and meaningful event, and I would like to thank YWCA for giving our Temasek Polytechnic students the opportunity to volunteer and good exposure. Thank you so much for organising the event and having us here to support the event,” said Andrew, a volunteer and lecturer from Temasek Polytechnic.

The Meals-on-Wheels luncheon was a resounding success with strong support from our kind Benefactors and their generous donation. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our beneficiaries at the Meals-on-Wheels Chinese New Year luncheon. We hope that everyone who attended was blessed by the it. We also feel blessed to have been able to serve. Let us continue to serve others with love and kindness.

By Love, Serve One Another

The faces behind the scenes.

Click here to watch the reel of our event.

 

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How You Can Help

Interested in supporting our Meals-on-Wheels beneficiaries and making a difference in their lives? There are various ways to get involved, including volunteering your time, making a donation, or even just spreading the word.

If you wish to contribute as a corporate sponsor, contact Anne Chew at csp@ywca.org.sg today.

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