Students from the Raffles Institution’s Red Cross Youth (RI Chapter) have been volunteering at NKF’s dialysis centres in different groups of 5 to 10 since February last year on Monday evenings. They befriend patients, do chairside handicrafts such as mosaic art and play simple games as part of patients’ rehabilitation therapy. These caring young volunteers have found these interactive sessions not only beneficial to the patients but an important part of learning in their journey of life.
“It was not just us who were brightening up the patients’ days – the patients also helped bring a smile to our faces whenever we saw them, with not just their humour, but also the appreciation they showed towards us.”
– Mr Ho Shu Hao Eugene, volunteer
“I was able to share my hardships with them (volunteers) and they provided me with words of support and comfort which helped calm me a lot.”
– Mr Ong Jik San, patient
“One auntie was always so full of happiness and bubbly whenever she saw us. Regrettably, she passed on a few months later. It made me realise how fleeting life can be. It was a joy to spend time with her nearing her last moments.”
– Ms Chok Li Qin Anthonia, volunteer
“A real eye-opener to the struggles of kidney patients. They have so many restrictions in their mobility and diets and I admire their strength for powering through each day. I am happy that through small things, we did manage to bring a smile to their faces.”
– Ms Jasveena Gaya, volunteer