As we commemorate the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, we share the story of Mdm Sagaamary Francis, aged 70. Besides raising her three children with her late husband, Mdm Francis opened her home to two of her relatives' children, underpinned by her conviction that each child needs a family and a home. Life, however, has not been easy. Two of her children live overseas, while another has a violent disposition. Following the demise of her husband to cancer and an arm injury in 2019, Mdm Francis battled grief and isolation. 

A social worker referred her to the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) ElderAid programme. Since enrolling in the programme, Mdm Francis found solace as volunteers and employees, like Florence Sim, rekindled joy in her life through their regular visits and support. Mdm Francis's life story is a testament to her resilience, courage, and heartfelt commitment to serve. 

In her childhood, Mdm Sagaamary Francis grew up in a humble HDB flat with her parents, seven siblings, an aunt and an uncle. The family was closely knit, bonded by their shared struggles. The early years taught her the values of sharing and unity. 

Reminiscing about her younger days when the adults meticulously prepared Indian dishes in the kitchen, with the aroma wafting through the air, "We cooked Indian food at home. My favourite was chicken curry!" she quipped.

Making Ends Meet While Caring for Her Family

Eventually, Mdm Francis tied the knot in December 1979 and raised three children of their own. Besides bringing up their three children, she also cares for a five-year-old grandson whose mother passed away unexpectedly, and her brother's 10-year-old grandson who had been left without a home. She does this in the spirit of service.

"I believe each child needs a family and a home to care for them," she said. 

She shoulders much of this burden alone. Hard work and perseverance marked her life. With limited education, she took on various jobs to make ends meet, from factory work to cleaning, always striving to provide for her family through her labour of love. 

Navigating the Challenges in Life with Resilience

Yet, Mdm Francis, now 70, receives little support from her siblings. Three have passed away. The four remaining siblings avoid contact with her out of fear of her unruly son, who has shown a tendency to turn violent and make unreasonable financial demands.

Mdm Francis's two other children live overseas. Through all the stumbling blocks she confronted, Mdm Francis relied on her late husband as a source of emotional support over the four decades.

"I lost my husband to cancer in 2019," Mdm Francis shared.

It was a heart-wrenching blow, as she navigated the complexities of life alone, without her pillar of support. The grief weighed heavily on her, and Mdm Francis mourned the loss of her husband while grappling with social isolation. 

Besides her emotional loss, Mdm Francis also contends with the lack of her late husband's income. With two young children to care for, she had no choice but to press on. To make a living, she works at a fast-food outlet from 11 at night to 3 in the morning every day. The shift work enables her to look after the young children in the morning before they go to kindergarten or school, and in the evenings, after they return at 4 pm.

Unfortunately, she sustained an arm injury following a fall in 2019. It took a few months for her to recover from her arm injury. Following her recovery, she resumed working the night shift at the same fast-food chain, albeit at an outlet nearer her home in the heartlands of Tampines. 

Volunteers Offer a Listening Ear

Cognisant of her need for emotional and social support, a social worker referred Mdm Francis to the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) ElderAid programme. Since enrolling in the ElderAid programme, Mdm Francis found comfort and joy in her life as Florence Sim, 59, SRC's employee in charge of the ElderAid programme, and volunteers brightened her days through regular visits and interactions. They often visit her during the late afternoons to check in on her, breaking the monotony of her days while uplifting her spirits through their companionship.  

"I am very thankful and happy that they come and talk to me," said Mdm Francis, her voice tinged with emotion. 

Besides the regular visits, the ElderAid volunteers facilitate the Community Development Council's cash disbursements and occasionally bring her care packages that help her feed the young children. 

Mdm Francis does not yearn for much in life, only to be endowed with robust health to care for the children.

"I hope I will be blessed with good health and the strength to continue caring for the children," Mdm Francis said.

Apart from distributing care packages, the ElderAid volunteers also organise arts and crafts activities, games, birthday celebrations and outings to brighten the elders' lives. However, Mdm Francis could not engage in several ElderAid activities because of her caregiving responsibilities with the children and her job. Despite that, Mdm Francis remains grateful to Florence and the volunteers for their regular visits.

Bringing Comfort and Joy to the Elders

A volunteer since 2006, Florence embarked on her career with the SRC in 2015 and became a full-time employee in 2018. As the Senior Executive of the SRC's ElderAid programme, Florence coordinates the volunteers who befriend the seniors in Tampines. Encapsulating the true essence of giving back to society, Florence epitomises the profound impact of volunteerism and service on both the giver and the receiver.

The memorable moments she experienced through her service were impactful.

"It is heartwarming to witness a senior's face light up upon my arrival, listening to their stories, and being confided in as if I were their daughter," Florence said.

These interactions exemplified the close rapport forged through the interactions with the elders, a bond that transcends the superficialities of daily life.

Yet, their noble cause of building camaraderie with the elders met some challenges. 

"Initially, some elders were reticent. Some volunteers stood behind closed doors," said Florence.

However, Florence and the volunteers' unwavering passion and persistence eventually paid off. 

"Our genuine care eventually struck a chord in the elders' hearts, and we won them over," said Florence with pride. 

Florence is thankful for her supportive family, for providing her with a bedrock of understanding and encouragement in her career and volunteering work. 

Her volunteering and work experiences have offered her profound insights into the living conditions and family circumstances of those less privileged and the difference a simple act of kindness can make. They served as reminders that, beneath Singapore's veneer of affluence, were individuals yearning for companionship, a listening ear, and a helping hand. 

Florence encourages people keen on volunteering. 

"Do your best to help others. Your heart will be open. When people open up to you, you will feel happy and confident to do your part to bring joy to others," she said.

Through giving, Florence and other volunteers uplift the lives of Mdm Francis and the other elders while deriving joy, and intrinsic fulfilment.

Thanks to Florence and her ElderAid volunteers, Mdm Francis no longer navigates her challenges in solitude. By offering a listening ear, Florence and the volunteers brought warmth and joy back into Mdm Francis' life, transforming her life fraught with struggles to one of resilience and fortitude. Mdm Francis’ life experience is a reminder that a little kindness and compassion can positively impact someone's life. 

By Illka Gobius, Volunteer
Copyedited by Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications