Mdm Veerappan Kalaranit, a 65-year-old Singaporean, grapples with ill health, family issues and financial struggles. Following the demise of her husband in 2017, she contends with loneliness as she has been living alone. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) referred her to the Singapore Red Cross (SRC). Since enrolling in the SRC's ElderAid programme in October 2019, she has benefited from the Community Befrienders' regular visits, outings, hands-on activities and delivery of customised care packages. Community Befriender, Manoj Narayan Salian, 37, plays an integral role in offering companionship and support to Mdm Kalaranit. 

Mdm Veerappan Kalaranit, a 65-year-old Singaporean, paints a vivid picture of her life within the colourful confines of her well-kept HDB flat. Religious icons and family photos adorn the walls, a testament to a life rich in experiences.   

Born in Singapore in 1958, she is one of six siblings. In her younger years, Mdm Kalaranit was a diligent worker who cherished her independence. After tying the knot, she had two sons and two daughters.

Grappling with Challenges

Sadly, Mdm Kalaranit's career was abruptly halted due to her mobility and health issues. Mdm Kalaranit grapples with heart murmurs and obesity that result in occasional blackouts and mobility issues that hamper her ability to stand for long periods. Once, she passed out on the footpath near a bus stop. 

With her inability to work, Mdm Kalaranit also struggles with her finances.

"My children also have little to spare, as they have several mouths to feed. Thankfully, my youngest son, who resides in Saudi Arabia, occasionally assists with my bills," she said. 

Yet, that hardly suffices. Her inability to earn a living given the high costs of living, and inflationary pressures in Singapore, is the source of apprehension and concern for her. In addition, her eldest son had plundered her life's savings for his drug addiction. These compounding factors took a toll on her mental, emotional, and physical health. 

Mdm Kalaranit does not have many people whom she can confide in and often grapples with loneliness following the demise of her husband in 2017 and her brothers over the years. Her sister lives in London. Mdm Kalaranit's eldest son was incarcerated but was subsequently released from confinement, while her other son lives overseas. She is estranged from her daughter. As her children have nine children of their own to manage, they encountered challenges in meeting her. Thankfully, a neighbour-turned-friend purchases food for her. 

Life Enriched Thanks to Community Befrienders

The Agency of Integrated (AIC) Care (Tampines Central) learnt about her predicaments and referred her to the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) ElderAid programme. 

Since enrolling in the ElderAid programme in October 2019, community befrienders have provided Mdm Kalaranit and other seniors with the precious gift of friendship through regular visits, outings, and hands-on activities at Tampines Ville or Kampong Senang.

These collective efforts are targeted at breaking the cycle of isolation, addressing the functional and social needs of the elderly, enhancing social mobility, and facilitating integration into the broader community. The tailored and holistic care offered brings seniors the zest for life while fostering in them a sense of purpose to lead thriving, fulfilling, joyful, and meaningful lives, regardless of their living circumstances. 

Community Befriender, Manoj Narayan Salian, a 37-year-old entrepreneur hailing from Mumbai, India, plays an integral role in offering companionship and support to individuals such as Mdm Kalaranit. Manoj relocated to Singapore in 2019. After his sister, who had worked with the SRC for more than a decade had told him about the meaningful volunteering opportunities, Manoj began volunteering as a Community Befriender in 2021.

"I empathise with the needs of others, and yearn to make a positive impact," he said. 

Manoj commits himself to spending quality time with elderly residents of his community. Every Saturday afternoon, he connects with elderly neighbours who live alone. Though he initially embarked on his volunteering journey as a Community Befriender, he has since expanded his role to assist with various volunteering initiatives, such as the distribution of customised care packages. 

"I value familial connections and cherish moments that create a sense of belonging within communities. I felt the void in the absence of my grandparents. That motivated me to volunteer. I believe in learning from the diverse perspectives of others," Manoj said.

Language barriers occasionally pose challenges, but Manoj strives to engage with English-speaking individuals as it facilitates communication. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his mission of offering companionship and support to those who need it most.

Mdm Kalaranit acknowledges the tremendous help she has received from the SRC and expresses her heartfelt gratitude towards the volunteers, including Manoj, who have supported her. 

"They helped me a lot — provided groceries and other things. Sometimes, they take us out for tea. I was quite happy with breakfast," Mdm Kalaranit said with a smile.

Their companionship has bolstered Mdm Kalaranit's confidence to step out of her home and revel in these social events. 

Over time, Mdm Kalaranit's health condition improved with her weight loss. With the companionship of the community befrienders and her friends in the neighbourhood, Mdm Kalaranit has found contentment in life. 

Alleviating Her Financial Burdens

Apart from offering the gift of friendship, Community Befrienders of the SRC's ElderAid programme also assisted with the distribution of customised care packages, which alleviated Mdm Kalaranit's financial concerns. 

Besides that, the employees of the ElderAid programme also went the extra mile to assist in the application for financial aid, which enabled her to benefit from various financial assistance schemes. In addition, the employees of the ElderAid programme also connected her with a property agent who found a tenant to supplement her financial needs. 

Amid the hardship, loneliness, and financial challenges, Mdm Kalaranit's story is a testament to the resilience, power of community, and compassion of strangers like Manoj. Their narratives converge in the warmth of human connection, demonstrating that even in the face of adversity, kindness and empathy have the potential to transform lives.

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