Why not support a new center that provides the elderly with a space to learn, bond and rediscover fun?
Contributed by Irene Ho
The House Of JOY organizes activities to promote life-long learning to the elderly. CN PHOTO: Michael Chan.
In a world that is increasingly youth-focused, the needs of the elderly sometimes get sidelined. Research has shown that retirees may experience loneliness, depression, even premature death if they do not find meaningful activities to engage in once they retire.
With this in mind, City Harvest Community Services Association started its Community Outreach Program to the Elderly or COPE in 1999, which organizes activities to promote life-long learning to the elderly, and provide them with a community to belong in. In particular, COPE has actively supported the underprivileged elderly citizens living in the Pine Close, Mountbatten and Old Airport Road estates.
The latest, and possibly the largest-scaled initiative from COPE is the House Of JOY (an acronym for “Joining the Old and the Young”), a 329 sqm-large physical center located at Old Airport Road that houses a multi-purpose hall and activity room, a café operated by senior citizens, meeting and counseling rooms, a multimedia and recreational room, a KTV room and IT facilities. Here, CHCSA will be providing social work services, including counseling, in-house exercise programs, learning workshops and activities.”
The official launch date of the House Of JOY is in August, but already, elderly folk in the neighborhood have begun to hang out there.
CHCSA’s vision is for a society where the elderly are healthy and balanced individuals, who are well-connected with their loved ones, and have the means to live life to the fullest. Says Darryl Loh, director of CHCSA, “We want to bring them to a point in their lives where they can actively contribute to society as well.”
The organization is embarking on a fundraising drive to support the House Of JOY. Members of the public can support this cause by making a pledge at the House Of JOY tree this weekend at Hall 603, Suntec Singapore. There is also the inaugural Silver Charity Dinner on August 19, where tables of S$2,500 and S$5,000 are available for booking. You can also commit to be a Silver Ambassador (an annual donation of S$1,000 and above for three to five years) or a Silver Enthusiast (corporate partnership of S$10,000 and above).
To find out more, contact Sheryl Lim at +65 6513 1585.
