Seniors’ first visit to Istana

President takes seniors on Istana garden tour with the help of volunteers supporting President’s Challenge.

By Terese Lim

President Halimah Yacob meeting 81-year-old Mdm Marva Carmel Markose, a senior from Bishan East Community Club (CC). PHOTO: TERESE LIM

President Halimah Yacob welcomed 14 seniors, supported by Bishan East Community Centre (CC), to the fourth run of the Istana garden tour on Dec 14.

The event was organised by the National Council of Social Services and Adam Road Presbyterian Church (APRC) in support of the President’s Challenge.

Ms Ivy Fong, President’s Challenge secretariat, said the goal of the event was “to make the experience for the beneficiaries an [enjoyable] one” and “to support our partners”.

During the one-hour tour, the seniors got to explore various parts of the garden, including the grounds’ tembusu trees as well as the orchid and ginger gardens.

With the support of volunteer befrienders from ARPC and volunteer guides from the National Parks Board (NParks), the seniors were given a deeper insight into the different flowers and trees.

Ms Marie Lim, volunteer befriender from ARPC, said: “It was pleasant. I think the participants are very appreciative, and the guides are very enthusiastic.”

ARPC presenting a $100,000 cheque donation to President Halimah Yacob and 10 other voluntary welfare organisations.

Mdm Halimah received a cheque donation of $100,000 for the President’s Challenge from ARPC on that day.

APRC has been donating annually to selected volunteer welfare organisations under the President’s Challenge since 2015. They partner with Bishan East CC in organising the Sunday Senior Special programme, an initiative to help seniors in the Bishan community make friends and stay active.

Reverend Christopher Chia, the church’s senior pastor, said many seniors have never been to the Istana, and that it was very meaningful “for them to come and meet the president, who is at the forefront of President’s Challenge”.

Bishan East CC caters to about 400 senior citizens, where a high proportion of the seniors have been found to be shut in elderly. Having such events allows the community to reach out to these seniors through volunteering and by providing with them opportunities to get out of their homes.

Mr Tan Kee Khon, chairman of the active ageing committee in Bishan East CC, said the residents who came to the Istana thoroughly enjoyed their visit. “For a lot of residents, it’s their first time coming here. So they are very happy to come for a tour and have lunch with the president.”

According to the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, Singapore’s volunteerism rate has shown continuous growth over the years, with one in three individuals volunteering in Singapore.

The President’s Challenge always aims to garner at least 10,000 volunteers with every event. They have been successfully hitting this number of volunteers for the past few years.