As we celebrate our nation’s 53rd birthday, let us not forget the less fortunate among our pioneers, who toiled to build Singapore but are now frail, impoverished, mostly alone and in dire need of care. Twelve out of our 19 MWS centres support them holistically through their autumn days. These are two of our beneficiaries:
Finding Peace And Joy
As a teenager, during World War II, Mr Wong watched bombs drop on Singapore; as an adult, he traversed the seas as a sailor and fisherman. The centenarian has been living contentedly and peacefully at MWS Nursing Home-Yew Tee since the newly-built facility commenced operations in August 2017.
“I like the daily exercises, and the physiotherapy sessions are helpful for my knee pain. All the residents feel a sense of independence,” says the 98-year-old, who suffers from chronic kidney disease, hypertension and congestive heart failure.
In addition to providing nursing and therapy care for Mr Wong, the home also gathered his family for a meal with him. Appreciative of their efforts, Mr Wong is committed to staying healthy so that he can celebrate his 100th birthday.
Love Conquers All
She was a hawker stall helper and he, a security officer. Now in their seventies, Mdm Yee and Mr Lai are childless, but have each other. Unfortunately, a fall in 2016 left Mdm Yee with a brain bleed. She was subsequently admitted to MWS Bethany Nursing Home-Choa Chu Kang for long-term care.
Initially dazed and bedridden, Mdm Yee is now able to sit up in a wheelchair. She could not remember her husband at first, but she can now recognise him and engage in simple conversations.
Mr Lai visits his wife every day. He chose to stop working to be with his wife, and downgraded their flat to cope financially. “I am very happy with her care here. She’s now stable and I hope her condition improves enough so she can go home.”
Support MWS’ pioneer beneficiaries at give.mws.sg. To find out how you or your church can be involved, please email volunteer@mws.sg.
By the Methodist Welfare Services Communications Team
Mrs Jenny Bong, the Group Executive Director of Methodist Welfare Services, will be stepping down on 6 August 2018 after 10 years at the helm.
Over the years, Jenny has led MWS to grow to become a charity running 19 centres and programmes. In the last three years, she was instrumental in launching six new MWS senior activity centres and a second MWS nursing home. MWS also received major accolades under her watch, winning the President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Non-Profit Organisation of the Year Award in 2010 and the top Charity Governance Award (Large Category) from the Charity Council in 2014.
Jenny will have a new role as Director of Special Projects, which involves leading the expansion and integration of MWS’ Intermediate and Long Term Care (ILTC) services and social care services, as well as operational excellence.
Jenny’s successor is Ms Junie Foo, who joined MWS as the Group Executive Director-Designate on 18 June 2018. Junie has 28 years of corporate experience, including senior positions in the banking industry. She is a member of Christ Methodist Church, where she serves as the President of the Women’s Society of Christian Service.
Photos courtesy of the Methodist Welfare Services