YMCA Silver Fiesta 2019 Brings Smiles to 1,200 Seniors
Over 1,200 elderly clients clapped, danced and laughed as they enjoyed a variety of performances, games and activities hosted by the emcee. With interactive stage performances, live music, carnival games and arts and craft activities, there was something for everyone. With booths and performances focusing on digital literacy and mental wellness, they also had the chance to learn more about enhancing their quality of life by staying engaged.
This was made possible by 531 volunteers from corporations, organisations and schools that served at YMCA Silver Fiesta 2019, a two-day event promoting active ageing among the elderly. It took place on 31st October to 1st November and was graced by Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Social and Family Development & Ministry of Education at Toa Payoh HDB Hub.
FairPrice Foundation returned as the Platinum Partner for the second year in a row, contributing essential funding needed to execute the event. Last year, their staff volunteers also participated in various roles, which included befriending clients and manning the event booth.
Volunteers this year befriended the seniors and were involved in ushering, logistics and performing. Their performances included skits on topics like mental wellness, dances, a wushu martial arts performance and singing, among others. They also drew caricatures of the clients at the event.
This was part of efforts to promote corporate social responsibility among organisations in Singapore. Volunteers from organisations including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Singapore Armed Forces and Raffles Girls School served seniors from 42 Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and the public. These seniors included clients from NTUC Health SilverACE Senior Activity Centres, Thye Hua Kwan Senior Activity Centres, Care Corner Senior Activity Centres and AMKFSC COMNET Senior Activity Centres.
Apart from stage performances and games, other programmes lined-up for the day included a digital clinic run by the Info-Communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) that engaged elderly clients 1-to-1 and taught the use of smart devices, and the National University Health System (NUHS) Happy Programme, which prevents dementia through physical and cognitive exercises.
“It is so heartening to see so many passionate individuals and organisations joining us in serving and strengthening the community. This is also a wonderful platform for getting our youths exposed and involved in community service, which we hope will encourage them to keep giving to the society they live in,” said Steve Loh, General Secretary & CEO of the YMCA of Singapore.
About our Platinum Partner, FairPrice Foundation
For FairPrice, Doing Good for the community has always been a key pillar in its sustainability model. Over the years, FairPrice has continued to fund various causes through its charity arm, FairPrice Foundation.
Since 2008, more than $97 million has been given out to support the community through FairPrice Foundation. It does so by adopting a structured approach based on three strategic thrusts: the poor and needy, workers’ welfare, nation building and community bonding.
Beyond philanthropic efforts, FairPrice also galvanizes its staff and work with community partners such as Youth Corps Singapore to volunteer for charitable causes through the FairPrice Volunteers Programme. The initiative aims to foster a culture of giving while encouraging multi-generation bonding within the community.
Last year alone, the programme contributed over 4,300 community hours and reached out to more than 1,000 beneficiaries through 32 activities at various organisations.
Contributed by Sim Yu Xiang.