Lions lend volunteers to program for elderly
July 27, 2013, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
LIONS Clubs International, one of the world's largest service club organizations, has initiated a program for the aged in the Gumei Road Community.
Club volunteers hold sessions for senior citizens that kick off with the volunteers introducing themselves, then asking the elderly participants to do likewise. Many of the seniors are shy at first of speaking in such a public forum.
At one session, 70 older people were divided into 10 groups and asked to sit in a circle of chairs. Each group had its own volunteer, who led a series of warming-up games to break the ice.
One of the Lions Club volunteers is Song Qing, who has made a long-term commitment to the project. She has visited the community more than 10 times.
Friendship
"One event is far from enough," said Song. "Building friendships takes times. I like talking to them. They can also learn things from us younger people."
After each session, the volunteers share together their feelings of the day with the seniors.
"It's more than just us giving care," said Zeng Yihong, another volunteer. "We actually are enlightened by the wisdom of older people as well. They remind me of my parents."
Yu Rongshun, a senior who has participated in the sessions, is full of praise.
"It's very different from just talking to us or bringing us fruit," Yu said. "Everyone feels warmed by this experience."
Headquartered in the United Sates, the Lions Club was established in 1917. Its 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members worldwide are involved in a variety of projects to help local communities.
Club volunteers hold sessions for senior citizens that kick off with the volunteers introducing themselves, then asking the elderly participants to do likewise. Many of the seniors are shy at first of speaking in such a public forum.
At one session, 70 older people were divided into 10 groups and asked to sit in a circle of chairs. Each group had its own volunteer, who led a series of warming-up games to break the ice.
One of the Lions Club volunteers is Song Qing, who has made a long-term commitment to the project. She has visited the community more than 10 times.
Friendship
"One event is far from enough," said Song. "Building friendships takes times. I like talking to them. They can also learn things from us younger people."
After each session, the volunteers share together their feelings of the day with the seniors.
"It's more than just us giving care," said Zeng Yihong, another volunteer. "We actually are enlightened by the wisdom of older people as well. They remind me of my parents."
Yu Rongshun, a senior who has participated in the sessions, is full of praise.
"It's very different from just talking to us or bringing us fruit," Yu said. "Everyone feels warmed by this experience."
Headquartered in the United Sates, the Lions Club was established in 1917. Its 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members worldwide are involved in a variety of projects to help local communities.
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