Temporary Service Break

Hi all,

As of 30 April 09, there are no human cases of Mexican swine flu in Singapore. There have been 22 cases in total referred for further medical assessment. Of the 22 cases, 19 cases have been tested negative for Influenza A. 2 tested positive for usual circulating seasonal strains of Influenza A and 1 is pending laboratory investigations. (Reference: Ministry of Health)

In addition, we have received advise from Management as part of precautionary measurement , there will be no visitations and/or external visits till further notice as part of precautionary measurement.

We will provide updates via email. We seek to have your understanding and co-operation.

Please contact Rimei for further information.

In the meantime, while we are at Home during the service break, we can brainstorm on issues and/or ideas as to how to re-connect with SILRA residents once we resumed our services. In addition, you may wish to keep your blog entries coming in for publication. Keep the ideas flowing.

Regards
Joy Gathering Volunteer Group

Responsible, Vigilant and Prepared

Hi all,

Please be informed that as of 30th April 09, there are no human cases of swine flu in Singapore. (Reference: Ministry of Health).

However, it will be good for us as volunteers to be responsible, vigilant and prepared in the current situation. As of now, we have yet to receive management information on the cessation of volunteer and/or visitation status. Once we received any information, we will keep you all updated on visitation status via email.

Please advise to us whether you will be visiting SILRA this coming Saturday, 2nd May. This will facilitate us to contact you should there be any cessation of volunteer service in abruptness.

Alternatively, please kindly contact Rimei for latest updates prior to your visitation to SILRA.


IMPORTANT NOTE:

1. Prior to Service:

ALL VOLUNTEERS are to report to 5th Level Volunteer Room

To record name, NRIC No., contact details, temperature readings and time in on the contact tracing form

Weekly IC will be in charge of the completion of contact tracing form

This will be given to SILRA Management for record purpose

Clearance for conducting service: Temperature readings is less than 38°C

2. During Service:
ALL VOLUNTEERS are to take note with which resident you are interacting with and location (Information required in form)

3. After Service:

ALL VOLUNTEERS are to report to 5th Level Volunteer Room

To record which resident interacted with, location and time out on the contact tracing form

Weekly IC - kindly ensure form is duly completed and forward the copy to Liyu.

We would strongly advise you not to visit and come into contact with any of SILRA's residents if your answers to the following questions were “Yes”.

1. Do you have high fever (>38°C) or other symptoms such as cough,sore throat or runny nose within the last 21 days?
2. Have you travelled to swine influenza affected areas within the last 7 days?
3. Have you travelled to swine influenza affected areas within the last 14 days?

In the meantime, we recommend that ALL VOLUNTEERS to:-
* consume your Vitamin C regularly;
* Drink more water;
* observe higher level personal hygiene;
* in event that you develop symptoms, please wear surgical mask and seek medical consultation.
* FYI: Cases will be referred to the CDC for a thorough assessment. A dedicated ambulance service (tel 993) has been activated to convey such patients to CDC.

Let us continue to be responsible, vigilant and prepared.

Kaya Roti Toast

Hi folks,

Last week, many thanks to Karen & Alison for making the refreshing dessert for our residents. Yummy yummy... Let's welcome Alison to our BIG Family!! (clap clap)

Also, thankfully as the weather was good we managed to wheel some of our residents around the neighbourhood.

Watch out for this coming Saturday, 4 April 09, our famous and highly demand Kaya Roti Toast is back @ SILRA.

Let's meet at 1.30pm to gear up ourself. (keke..QC QC: Quality Control - the part that most volunteers like most...)

Nice Weather ~ crossing fingers *wink*

Hi folks,

missing our blog posts?? Bet that you are happy and saying that "wow, finally got posts liao"...

These few weeks, SILRA got new things happening, in case you are still clueless..read on to let me update you.

• We started with Weekly In Charge (IC) - seems familiar rite..yes this is a comeback kid. So everyone you will get your chance to be the IC. No "Siaming" one, sure kanna one. Time will tell...
• We got new volunteers who have joined us for our sessions. Let's put our hands together to welcome them. WELCOME =)
• Everyone is still contributing their ideas and efforts to make a difference in the lives of our residents. JIA YOU(x2)!!
• Our Audio system is getting simpler and simpler to set up, speakers are already wired to the system. It's just connecting to the main power, switch on the TV, Amplifier and VCD player. of course, loading the disc lah. this one still need to teach meh =P
• Its nice to know that our volunteers are getting more and more vocal to sing for our residents. Let's have a telematch among us and ask residents to vote for us. LOL.
• 2 of our volunteers exchange their vows and they came by to share their happiness with our residents in month of Feb. They are still honeymooning.
• Chef is back @ SILRA!! Residents and us (keke) are in for a treat. Everybody, let's thank him and give him a massage whenever possible.
• There is Yoga exercises and laughter therapy going on @ SILRA very Saturday, 3pm. Let's haha all the way with our residents.
• Weather havn't been kind to us, everytime scheduled to rain at 4 - 6 pm. Thus, we havnt been able to bring our residents out. The new covered walkways, new plants etc...we have yet to got the chance to view them yet. Come on, let's pray for a bright and shinning day today!!!

Time really files and we are already passing the 1st quarter of the year already. The upcoming months will be full of events, so everybody hope these few months you've recharged yourselves and is ready to CHARGED all the way liao..

Highlight of Upcoming events:

4th apr: our famous Kaya Roti Toast (come & learn the ropes to be Kopi-di or Kopi-sor) remember to bring waist pouch...

23rd may: Rice dumpling festival (get ur family and friends down to help us wrap or conduct QC.

CNY Gathering

Hi folks,


hope this post finds you & your family well. Yes, Brother Ox has arrived with a blast!!! As usual, our Joy Gathering Tradition carries on till now. To pay visit to "certain" volunteer's family on 初二。


We started with lunch at Shao Rong's place from 12 noon onwards and we laze there till evening as we head now to Teck Ee's place. We would like to give credit to both families for being such nice host to us.


Guys being guys like to play strategy, we played Citadels on TE's place. Before we can built our 8th district, we had to call it a day as its getting late where everyone need to work the next day.


Lastly, we got photos for u to see who's there on that day. (PS: try your luck). We do hope you can join us in Tigger Year.

Usher into Year of Ox

Dear Friends,

missing our Blog?? Yah, totally agree that we have been slience since Sept 08...well we will try our best to keep u informed on the latest happenings as we usher into Year of Ox....

Another year is trying to slip past us again. As we usher into the Year of Ox, let's us reflect on the time we spent at SILRA together. The fun and hair grabbing moments while planning, organising and implementing activites for our elderly. Time spent with elderly on Saturday afternoon always pass by quickly without knowing and its time to say goodbye before we are even "warmed up".

Moments like these for the past 14 years from our Pioneers to the current batch of volunteers we have who still have the same characteristics: young, vibrant and talented with nice voice, with groove and handyman still remains. Nothing have changed except change.

Lastly, on behalf of the Group, here's wishing you and your family: A good health which will brings you wealth. For wealth at heart will brings you happiness to spread love. For love brings a smile on our faces. For a smile that is small but brings joy and light to all. Happy Lunar New Year!

PS: Let us continue to serve our elderly with care, joy and laughter as we are a part of Joy Gathering, a part of SILRA Home. To do something good, we must feel good in doing it good.

Note: Service will resume on 31 Jan 09. Please note that we are celebrating 人日 on that day. Please be at SILRA by 2.15pm, your punctuality is much appreciated.

ESN Carnival 2008 ~ Love, Care and Hope

Hi all,

Remember last December 07, we hav a fun-time together at Yishun Junior College for our first and ever ESN Carnival? Well, gald that you remember! Guess what, they are back this year with more games stalls and participating agencies from elderly sector as well. This year, the carnival theme is "Love, Care and Hope"

The main objective of the carnival is to infuse a sense of togetherness as a community of volunteers serving the elderly sector, to promote sharing, interactions and learning among volunteers and beneficiaries alike, and to provide an afternoon of beyond volunteering experience of fun, cheer and company to the elderly by the combined efforts of volunteers. It is going to be a fun and interactive event comprising of carnival stalls (food, craft, games and bazaar), activities such as photo-taking with mascot and handicraft demonstrations, a mini-concert, and last but not least, lucky draw where the beneficiaries get to walk away with goodies such as grocery items and other basic necessities.

Thou, these 4-lettered, "Love, Care and Hope" seems easy to spell however it takes quite a bit of effort to show to our family, friends, elderly or even neighbors. Well of course we are not into what these words means as i bet that you guys know it better than I can describe.

In any case, today we are sharing on how you can help us in the upcoming carnival...

Date: 27 Sept 08 (Saturday)

Time: 1.30 - 4.30 pm

Venue: Yishun Junior College

How is SILRA involved??
- We will be manning a handicraft booth showcasing, Salt bottles made by Uncles & Aunties, Ah Kow’s rattan handicraft and tissue paper carrier sow by Aunties.
- We will also be having a game stall:

How we would like you to be involved?? (please revert okie..)

Before Carnival:

1. Handicrafts preparations do join us for our upcoming Saturdays to engage the residents to continue our Salt Bottle.
2. Banner Design (to provide assistance in piecing up our Creative Director idea on banner etc)

Actual Day of Carnival:

1. Bringing our residents out to/fro YJC; (27 Sept-> Time: 12.45 pm - 5.00pm)
2. Helping to man our Game and Handicraft stall (27 Sept-> Time: 8 pm - 4.30pm)
   

Other information that you should be aware of??

This is not a fund raising event, non-profitable, but the coupon sales earned from handicraft booths will be returned to the respective agencies.

Lastly, we are also in the midst of sourcing for sponsors to cover the costs involved.

Alternatively, if you have a great idea and its bursting or burning to share, do drop us a few liners. We look forward to hear from you soon!

ESN Workshop on 19 October, Sunday

Hi,

Are you enthusiastic to embark on your first visit to an elderly home but not sure how you can contribute? Want to understand more about volunteering in an elderly home? Worried that you have problems communicating with the elderly?

Join us for our 1-day course organised by volunteers for volunteers.

Venue: All Saints Home (Hougang)

Date: 19th Oct 2008 (Sunday)

Time: 9am - 3pm

Target participants : New volunteers serving in the elderly sector

To register : Email silrahome@hotmail.com

Note: $5 will be collected for lunch, tea-break and materials cost

Volunteer Orientation held on 28 Aug @ NVPC

Dear all,

Yesterday, we had our first Volunteer Orientation at NVPC at The Giving Place ever since they have shifted from Amoy Street to this new cool building at Central @ Clarke Quay. Their shift took place somewhere in December 2007. on 7 July 08, PM Lee H L grace the occassion of the official opening of NVPC's new premises.

This new premises has been generously gifted to NVPC by Far East Organization, and a host of organisations and individuals have come forward to donate their time, expertise and resources to make this community-based giving hub a reality. The place is awesome, do check it out the next time you are near there, you may find books on volunteering there. =)

Well, this post is not only saying as to how the place is like but to thank those who have attended yesterday NVPC volunteer orientation. It's great to see people who are willing to learn a bit more about local volunteering scenes.

Also, a BiG THaNK you to those who have signed up for a visit to SILRA Home on this Saturday, 30 August, 2pm till 6pm. We will meet at Ang Mo Kio MRT station at 1.30pm before proceeding to SILRA. If you are also interested to join us on this Saturday, please drop us an email or join us at 80 Buangkok View, Buangkok Medical Park on every Saturday from 2.00pm till 6pm.

Photos from 7th Month Cele @ SILRA

Dear friends,

Its been a long time since we blog, if you have been waiting for this, guess you didn't wait in vain as this new post will leave you in awe (especially if you were not here for our 7th Month Celebration) For those who came, bet that you had a fun time @ SILRA during our 7th Month Celebration. We also had an Open House to volunteers from Brighthill Evergreen, Moral Home and not forgetting our in-laws: All Saints Home.

This Open House idea is to allow volunteers from different Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs) to feel and experience on how other volunteer groups are like..also hoping that can find things to improve on thru a 3rd party perceptive. Lastly, the key thing is to bring back what the volunteers think can be implemented into their activities.. if you still havn't catch me, you ain't know wat you are missing at..

Okay enough of that, let's us recap on 16 Aug - 7th Month Celebration..

Our Group Photo