PSSA 2004 - Informal Group Award Winner

Sree Narayana Mission Home for the Aged Sick Volunteers

Since 1992, this group of volunteers go down to the Home on a weekly basis, carrying out various activities to keep the elderly patients mentally, physically and emotionally engaged.

The activities carried are wide ranging, from handicraft sessions to games and singing. A monthly birthday celebration is organised to show the elderly that they are loved and remembered. The group also organise ad-hoc field trips to various places of interests and the sharing between the elderly and the group is enriching to both. Festival celebrations involving performances are also organised to bring cheers to the elderly. Through such activities, the presence and companionship of the Volunteer Group have brought much joy and laughter to the elderly at the Home.

They placed great emphasis on teamwork and leadership, as shown through the well-structured committee where volunteers are given leadership opportunities. To encourage sharing and bonding, the volunteers organise an annual Volunteers Camp involving past and present volunteers with the Home for a time of fun and games. The structure and passion of the volunteer group has become a role model of sorts to other volunteer groups.

Eager to share their passion, the volunteer group conducts monthly orientation for new volunteers to welcome and introduce them to volunteering through an informal setting. They have even compiled a Recruitment Guide which enables any volunteer to 'self-train'. In 1998, the volunteers designed a website www.snhome.cjb.net, which details volunteering experiences and activities, hoping to reach out to a wider audience and interest them into volunteering.

The willingness to share and develop resources with external organisations spurred the group to extend their helping hand to beyond the Home and assisted in the organising of activities by the Very Special Arts and NCSS Volunteer Circle.

Working together as a team, the committed group has been able to reach out to the elderly and beyond with their well structured programmes and activities. Through the ten years, the Volunteers group truly embodies the spirit of Volunteerism.

Other PSSA 2004 winners: