Volunteers in white sheep costumes display scrolls containing short CNY verses and give their well-wishes to the IMH residents. （Photo by Nichelle Chan)
On 1 March 2015, Tzu Chi volunteers celebrated the Chinese New Year with residents at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). Close to a hundred residents reveled in the festive atmosphere at the multipurpose hall of the IMH during a three-hour session of delightful songs, music and dance. They also enjoyed delicious snacks prepared and served with loving care by the volunteers.
A Rousing and Heartwarming Event
The afternoon’s celebration opened with “The Spring Breeze Kisses My Face”, a popular Chinese oldie. Hearing the familiar song, the residents happily clapped along to the lively music. Next was the lion dance performed by students from Tzu Chi volunteer Xie Ming Zhong’s lion dance troupe. Thunderous drumming and clanging of the cymbals filled the hall as the lion dancers captivated the audience with their agile dance moves.
Volunteers from the Tzu Chi Activity Team, who had planned and prepared the programme, also went on stage to perform Tzu Chi songs in sign language. Many of the residents signed and sang along as they were already familiar with the songs and hand signs which they had learned from the volunteers during their monthly visits.
While the show was going on, volunteers stood along both sides of the hall, ready to accompany any resident who needed to go to the restroom. “Once they become familiar with us, they will treat us as friends,” said volunteer Lin Jin Jin, who has been visiting the residents monthly for ten years. She understands the temperaments of the mental patients and is able to interact with and handle them calmly and patiently.
Another volunteer, Lin Zhi An, dressed up as the God of Fortune and merrily went around giving sweets and chocolates to the residents. The highlight of the session was three popular songs sung by volunteer Zheng Yi Qin. Hearing the upbeat music, many of the residents were so thrilled that they got up from their seats to dance and sing along with the volunteers.
Though it was warm and humid in the unairconditioned hall, all the 54 volunteers worked jointly to make the event a success. Those in the Food and Beverage Team packed CNY goodies (including vegetarian “Yu Sheng” and a variety of snacks) in small boxes, which were then respectfully distributed to the residents by volunteers during breaktime.
“I always try my best to do what I can as I hope the residents can taste different food every month. Seeing how they enjoy the food, I feel happy, too,” shared Ni Mei Yuan, the F & B team leader.
A Small and Worthwhile Sacrifice
“Tzu Chi volunteers come here every month and the residents really look forward to their visits,” said nurse Htike Htike, who is from Myanmar. She actually had the afternoon off that day but chose to stay back to help out so that more of her patients could attend the event. They had waited for one whole month for the volunteers to come, so she did not want to see them disappointed.
“I can go shopping anytime (when I’m not working). But the residents can only come out to the hall today. We wouldn’t be able to bear staying indoors for just a few days, let alone the residents who are confined to the institution all year round,” said Htike Htike.
Though unable to break out of their mental confinement, the IMH residents are able to find joy in life and experience love and warmth with regular care from Tzu Chi volunteers.
The audience was enthralled by the rousing lion dance performance put up by volunteer Xie Ming Zhong’s lion dance troupe. (Photo by Ng Beng Chin)
The “God of Fortune” made an appearance and went around giving sweets and chocolates to the residents. (Photo by Ng Beng Chin)
Volunteer in charge of the F & B team Ni Mei Yuan (centre) finds joy in giving of herself and in helping others. (Photo by Nichelle Chan)
Volunteer Lin Jin Jin (centre), who has been visiting the IMH monthly over the past ten years, is familiar with the residents and able to handle them well. (Photo by Nichelle Chan)
Nurse Htike Htike (first from right) chose to stay back after work to help out so that more of her patients could come out and attend the festive celebration. (Photo by Nichelle Chan)
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