We sat down with three different beneficiaries featured in"Portraits of Love", and their loved ones, to find out the real stories behind those picturesque smiles. Spoiler Alert! These stories point towards a similar truth: whether through volunteering or family bonds, love and one’s consistent presence can transform any space into one of belonging, growth, and genuine happiness.

Within the walls of the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) are stories of extraordinary connections that have transcended time and circumstance to flourish against all odds. Meet Jutta and Bee Lian, whose two-decade friendship proves that volunteering can evolve into something far deeper than service; Puja and Anita, cousins whose familial love brings joy and perspective through all of life’s seasons; and brothers Khalid and Muhammad, whose weekend reunions demonstrate how family ties can adapt and be strengthened despite life's unexpected challenges. 

Jutta and Bee Lian

Jutta first stepped into RCHD in 2000, introduced to this volunteering opportunity by some of the other ladies from the German school her daughter was attending. While others engaged in group activities, Jutta quickly realized she preferred one-on-one interactions.This decision led her to Bee Lian and the beginning of a meaningful friendship.

What started off as weekly visits evolved into something much deeper. When asked about her remarkable consistency as a volunteer, Jutta's answer was refreshingly simple: "That's just how friendships work, right? I saw them as my friends and they treated me as their friend. When you think of it as visiting your friends, you will make the effort to see them."

Though health challenges with her leg have reduced her visits since COVID, the bond between the two have remained unbroken. Bee Lian maintains their connection with characteristic determination. "When I didn't come for one or two weeks, she had other people calling me to ask why I was not around!" Jutta laughed.

Through their years together, Jutta has come to admire Bee Lian's positive outlook and warm personality. "She likes making new friends, and she's very positive, she embraces new people. She's always got a great sense of humor. And she's also really cheeky!" These qualities have clearly made an impression on Jutta, who speaks of her friend with evident fondness.

She acknowledges the initial discomfort many feel, remembering her own early days of not knowing how to interact with the residents. For those considering volunteering, Jutta offers wisdom gained from experience,"Get to know them as people, and give yourself some time to grow. Both sides have to adapt." 

“Just like how you have to work on any relationship, when you think of coming to RCHD as visiting your friends — you will make the effort to see them. You will encounter some people that you get on with straight away and others that you'll never quite get along with, and that’s okay. After a while, you’ll realise that they don’t need the games or activities. They just want you as their friend.” 

Puja and Anita

Anita may be the eldest grandchild in the family but her youthful spirit is one that everyone instantly notices. 

Having lived in Anita's house for a period during her childhood after moving to Singapore at the age of eight, Puja's relationship with Anita transcends the typical cousin bond. "She's always just been a sister," Puja shares warmly. Their shared history includes all the hallmarks of sisterhood — playing together and even occasional childhood arguments — and has evolved through life's changing seasons. 

While Puja recalls a childhood moment of being upset when Anita didn't want her to leave to see her visiting mother, she also acknowledges how Anita has experienced her own challenges as her childhood playmates, Puja and Anita's sister, grew up and began dating. Now, with Puja having children of her own, Anita has embraced a new role as "a very proud auntie!"

"She's very direct. She knows what she wants and she will ask for it," Puja explains. This directness extends to Anita's unabashed love for "bling" and fashion, often eyeing Puja's Punjabi suits and colourful bangles. Yet this is what makes Puja love her even more — Anita’s authentic approach to life and relationships.

Anita's self-taught mastery of Tamil through watching movies and dramas speaks to her determination and intelligence. "If ever the TV breaks down, we've got trouble!" Puja laughs.

Perhaps most remarkable is Anita's ability to ground others in the moment and bring a different perspective to those around her. "She makes me realize what is important. Her presence just sort of calms everything," Puja reflects. "I'm really present whenever I visit her." 

When asked about one thing she has learned from Anita, Puja cited her genuine appreciation for her joyful demeanor and her ability to appreciate the small things in life. "I learnt to be grateful and thankful from Anita. Something so small can make her so happy that you can see the joy in her eyes."

Looking at their photo in the "Portraits of Love" exhibition, Puja finds the title perfectly fitting. "It's so beautiful. When you see the photos, your heart is just filled with a lot of love and gratitude for all the people surrounding the residents. Hats off to the RCHD staff and volunteers. Really, a big thank you!”

Khalid and Muhammad

Brothers Khalid and Muhammad’s relationship has maintained its closeness from their early years, adapting to Muhammad's residency at RCHD. They are now focused on creating quality moments during Muhammad's weekend visits home. These reunions are marked by simple pleasures — watching TV shows together, shopping excursions to the nearby Vivo City, or just driving around to explore the island.

What makes their relationship special isn't just the activities they share but the deeper lessons they've taught each other. "Something I learnt from my brother is the importance of smiling. Just smiling," Khalid reflects thoughtfully. "My brother in general, is very cheerful. He is more of an introvert but he likes to smile. And I feel that a smile goes a long way. There's this belief that smiling is also a form of charity."

The journey to their current arrangement wasn't without challenges. Khalid candidly shares the difficult transition when Muhammad first came to RCHD. "There was a lot of resistance. He had trouble adapting to the new environment.I remember the first few weeks, when we had to send him off here, we would spend one to two hours just consoling him."

Yet what emerged from this challenging period was unexpected growth. With the support of the RCHD staff and a nurturing environment, Muhammad surprised his family. "After staying here, he starts to develop his own skills. He is now a lot more independent!" Khalid notes with pride.

This transformation speaks to the profound impact of the care Muhammad receives, prompting Khalid's heartfelt gratitude. "To the Red Cross staff and volunteers, I would like to say, thank you so much for the support. I don't know how many years it has been but you have been very supportive, very helpful, very accommodating to all our requests."

Through their story, Khalid and Muhammad remind us that family bonds can thrive in any setting when nurtured with love, patience, and support from a caring community. 

Written by Eunice Sng, Marketing and Communications