Bringing National Day Celebrations to Residents of Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home
“When I was young, I used to attend National Day celebrations. It is lovely that I get to participate in it again. I am also delighted to see all races here,” shared 86-year-old K. Ramachandran, a resident at Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home and Chairman of its Residents’ Committee.
Organised by volunteers from ACE Seniors, a social enterprise, the 224-bed Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home held its second round of National Day celebrations, which was graced by Assoc. Prof. Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Social and Family Development and MP for Nee Soon GRC.
Over 90 residents at the Home were treated to games and food stalls serving food like satay, kacang puteh and rojak.
The 90-odd residents were treated to performances by the volunteers and fellow residents.
These residents gave a spirited song and dance number, along with the SNM staff members.
Popular dishes like satay was served by the volunteers to the residents.
Volunteers from ACE Seniors also manned gaming and craft booths, and worked with the residents to create art pieces which residents could keep.
Games were also designed to stimulate the residents and engage them physically.
“This year ACE Seniors brought National Day to 15 nursing homes, including Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home. Most nursing homes’ residents would not be able to attend the National Day Parade or celebrate it. We hope that through this series of celebrations, nursing home residents get to celebrate our Nation’s birthday too,” said Tang Wai San (right in picture), Executive Director, ACE Seniors.
She added, “This also served as a platform for our volunteers to visit and get to know the Homes’ residents. Some of the volunteers have shared that they will ‘adopt’ a resident and come back to visit another day.”
S. Devendran (pictured above), CEO, Sree Narayana Mission Nursing Home said, “Our seniors are our living history. They are the people who built this country. They laid the railroad tracks and built a bullet train that brought our country from a third world country to what it is today.”
“We all have a part to play to make Singapore an inclusive home. Occasions like this serve as a reminder we are one, whether you are living in a government home or private home. If we hold onto this ideal, the lion will continue to roar,” he added.
“Growing up, I’ve had to sing five different national anthems. I want future generations to only ever have to sing one – Majulah Singapura. I am proud to be able to join other pioneers and fellow Singaporean seniors in celebrating our nation’s independence", said 88-year-old Ishwar Lall Singh, a Singapore Armed Forces veteran and resident of the Home.
Mr Singh playing the familiar game of Spin the Wheel.
