Endless Giving
“I’ll keep volunteering, until I am no longer able to do so!” Those were the resolute words of Mdm Teow Swee Cheow back in 2021 during a media interview with CNA, which featured her as LB’s oldest-serving Senior Volunteer.
Then, she would often be seen out and about on two wheels, cycling from one flat to the next as a Befriender to chat with fellow seniors and check in on their well-being – something she had been steadfastly doing for the last 20 years, until the COVID-19 pandemic curtailed her volunteering activity.
Now at the venerable age of 92, how has Mdm Teow been doing?
As we visit her at her three-room abode in Jalan Membina, a Long Service Award certificate from LB can be seen mounted on the wall of her living area, recognising her volunteering efforts for the past two decades.
She may not be as mobile as before due to her weakened eyesight, but her heart for giving remains as tenacious as ever, as she chirpily shares with us about her daily life.
Mdm Teow’s journey with LB started about 24 years ago when she was a resident at Bukit Ho Swee.
Shortly after she had lost her husband to an illness and retiring from her job as a seamstress; Mdm Teow recalls being invited by an LB staff to receive befriending services.
She flatly turned down the offer, declaring, “I don’t want to be a ‘senior’ (beneficiary); I want to be a volunteer and don’t swap me out (of volunteering)!”
Life as an LB Senior Volunteer
With that, Mdm Teow has not looked back since.
Mdm Teow, 92, is in good health and spirits as LB staff pay her a visit at her flat.
As a volunteer, her range of assignments would include leading groups of seniors on outings, helping to distribute rations, cleaning up after events, and accompanying seniors down from their flats to join weekly group exercises.
In her own time, she also goes knocking on seniors’ doors to find out if they are fine and inform LB staff if any of the seniors require assistance.
When queried why she preferred to volunteer instead of simply attending active ageing programmes as a senior, her reply is straightforward.
“Because I like it! Helping makes me happy; it is what I’ve been doing since childhood, so I’m used to it.” The self-confessed restless soul adds, “I enjoy going out. I will volunteer whenever I am asked to, until I can’t walk anymore!
Volunteering is not always a bed of roses, as Mdm Teow acknowledges. “You have to be patient. Sometimes I get scolded (by those whom I serve) even when I have done nothing wrong! You also don’t expect anything in return for volunteering. For me, I’m not after any reward.”
The Giving Heart Keeps on Giving
Today, Mdm Teow who lives by herself, has had to make some adjustments to her lifestyle.
No longer visiting seniors due to safety reasons, she has also stopped cycling and takes the bus instead when frequenting Chinatown to gather with her friends.
She also avoids going out when it is dark, for fear of falling.
Mdm Teow lives very frugally on a shoestring budget, but this has not held back her generous spirit.
Each time she receives donated rations such as trays of fresh eggs, she is sure to pay it forward, redistributing them to her neighbours and nearby residents who she feels need them more.
As we prepare to say goodbye, we ask Mdm Teow for a favour.
Would she be willing to share about her wealth of volunteering experiences at our upcoming workshops, to help inspire budding volunteers?
“Of course!” she answers without a moment of hesitation.
And that encapsulates the sprightly senior who continues to give of herself ceaselessly.
We hope that these stories would inspire you to reach out and touch the lives of others.
If you would like to share your thoughts on these stories, please feel free to email us at cp@lb.org.sgBe A Volunteer
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