After her husband passed away, Wong Siew Lian relocated to a flat in Tampines. Grappling with impaired vision, Madame Wong stays indoors. Singapore Red Cross’ (SRC) ElderAid programme has enabled Mdm Wong to forge a strong camaraderie with Linda Lum, 66, an ElderAid volunteer.

Wong Siew Lian, 85, is surprisingly trendy, spotting light ash blonde hair with a slightly tanned complexion. Following her husband's demise, she sold the terrace house in Geylang where they used to live quite comfortably, and relocated to a humble flat in Tampines. To support herself financially, she rents out the vacant rooms in her flat. Mdm Wong has impaired vision and mostly stays indoors. Fortunately for her, Singapore Red Cross’ (SRC) ElderAid programme has connected Mdm Wong to Linda Lum, 66, an ElderAid volunteer, with whom she has developed a strong rapport.

“Volunteering is a very fulfilling journey that you do not get to experience in the workplace or with your family. When you interact with the vulnerable and learn how they live, you appreciate your blessings in life,” said Linda.

Linda, who sports short hair and a radiant smile, seized the opportunity to serve the community when she stumbled upon a volunteer recruitment roadshow held by SRC three years ago. Having retired, she fills her time by pursuing her hobbies and staying active, while also visiting Mdm Wong fortnightly to check on her well-being.

Mdm Wong's independent streak belies her age and impaired vision. In her flat, Mdm Wong starts her day with breakfast consisting of a cup of coffee and bread. After her breakfast, she tunes in to Capital 95.8FM until lunchtime, when she gets lunch from the coffee shop in her vicinity. After years of being a good customer for stall owners, they have proven to be kind in assisting Mdm Wong with her food selections. She ends her day by purchasing groceries such as kaya jam and fresh milk before heading home for her nap. She is highly nimble and accustomed to her surroundings despite only having five percent of her vision in each eye. 

Her vision deteriorated rapidly after she shelved a much-needed eye operation when she was in her sixties. She went for a cataract surgery for her left eye on 6 July 2020. Her right eye is beyond medical cure. Concerned that no one would tend to her needs following her operation, she deferred it. Moving around poses a challenge due to her impaired vision, so Mdm Wong seldom ventures out beyond her familiar vicinity. Inevitably, there are occasions when Mdm Wong inevitably feels alienated and helpless.

Bringing the Gift of Friendship 

Fortunately for Mdm Wong, Linda has been stepping up to provide assurance. Linda habitually brings Mdm Wong down to the coffee shop for lunch. Mdm Wong reminisces with Linda about her heyday, when she could visit the temple. Linda’s sense of humor lightens her mood and ensures her well-being. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Linda checked up on Mdm Wong through phone calls and reminded her to stay positive during the challenging period. Her god-daughter visits her regularly and provides emotional support.

When volunteering gets tough, Linda perseveres, as she is cognisant that she is contributing meaningfully to society by bringing joy to the elderly while bridging the beneficiary’s family members with the resources they can receive from SRC. Yet, Linda is conscious that from time to time, her hands are tied, and seeks the support of her fellow volunteers when she can no longer cope. 

Linda derives validation and satisfaction from the times when Mdm Wong¹ expressed her gratitude to Linda and her team after a meal and was in high-spirits. 

"I encourage others to volunteer. By lending the seniors a listening ear, they can share their feelings openly. This, in turn, enhances their mental well-being and cultivates a sense of fulfillment in life," Linda underscores.

“Every visit is a gift. When we witness their laughter and radiant smiles, it is gratifying," says Linda.

¹ Mdm Wong was relocated to a nursing home in Feb 2022 after a fall due to her mobility and sight. However, our ElderAid team would still visit her regularly.

By Charmine Tan Renbao, Volunteer
Copyedited by Shayan Amin, Volunteer