| Taipei
government and charity organizations jointly bring love
to the elderly |
 |
Translated by Tzen Ong
July 20, 2002
Chinese
Version
TAIPEI, Taiwan- "Care for the Elderly"
event brings warmth and love to old folks.
The Taipei City Bureau of Social Affairs,
the Ta An Senior Support Center and the Tzu Chi Foundation jointly
organized a "Care for the Elderly" campaign. Officially
launched on July 20, 2002, at the Fang Lan Manor, the purpose
of this collaboration is to bring together charity organizations
in their efforts to give care and love to the elderly.
More than three hundred retired Air Force
veterans between the ages of sixty-five and ninety live at the
manor. By early morning, a large crowd of elderly folks had
gathered at the social hall. They warmly welcomed the Tzu Chi
volunteers, who were setting up and preparing for the opening
ceremony. Apart from celebrating the birthday of one of the
residents, other events for the day included free blood pressure
and blood sugar checks, a presentation on the proper use of
medicines, and free haircuts and manicures.
Showing care through haircuts and manicures
The gentle care given through haircuts, manicures
and pedicures deeply touched these old folks, especially since
many of them had failing eyesight and couldn't move about easily.
One resident had been waiting anxiously the whole morning. After
being pampered with the volunteers' loving care, this senior
joyfully gave Tzu Chi a thumbs-up.
Laughter and requests for new and different
hairstyles filled the corridors of the manor with merriment,
and later the elderly folk started singing with joy. After all
the residents had received their haircuts, Tzu Chi volunteers
led them in a group social dance. For those who could not follow,
the volunteers held their hands up and swayed to the rhythm.
This opening event of "Care for the Elderly" at the
Fang Lan Manor concluded with smiles of bliss.
