PSSA 2005 - Informal Group Award Winner

Kreta Ayer Volunteers’ Service Group

Made up of about 70 volunteers with the passion and drive to make a difference, the Kreta Ayer Volunteers’ Service Group helps 240 senior citizens living in the Chinatown area.

Each member has been volunteering for an average of five years, and they are purely motivated by their desire to help these destitute and elderly residents - most of whom are under the government’s Public Assistance Scheme.

The volunteers conduct home visits once a week to check on the well-being of the senior citizens. They read letters and mail received by the residents, as some are not literate, and offer advice when necessary. They also ensure that the residents remember their medical appointments and take their medication regularly. Should any of the elderly be hospitalised, the volunteers take turns to visit them and provide them the much needed company and assurance.

The Group also pioneered the “Cheap-Meal Scheme”. The volunteers understood that any help given should not undermine the dignity of the elderly. Hence they introduced the scheme for the elderly, to pay a nominal sum of $0.50 for the meal.

To engage the elderly with regular activities, the volunteers also collect used envelopes for them to cut out the stamps. This helps the elderly to exercise both their minds and fingers.

The Group goes beyond the normal companionship and support by even covering the expenses for funeral rites for those who have passed on and have no next-of-kin.

The elderly also look forward to the outings to places of interests and celebrating many of the festivals together with the volunteers. These activities help to raise their spirits and give them a much needed ray of hope.

The unreserved commitment in caring for the needs of the elderly by the Kreta Ayer Volunteers’ Service Group is truly heartwarming.

Other PSSA 2005 winners: