On 21 Nov, residents and staff at St John’s Home (SJH) for the Elderly held a Volunteers Appreciation Night to honour their dedicated volunteers and celebrate the meaningful relationships formed through their service.

In his opening address, Chairman Andrew Lioe expressed his gratitude to the volunteers, partners, and sponsors who bring happiness, comfort, and dignity to SJH residents. He highlighted the long-term commitment of volunteers like Nancy and her team from Echo and Praise, Desmond and Lilian from Music Theatre Limited, and Wendy and her group from Sennett Residents Network. Their ongoing kindness and dedication show SJH residents that they are valued and loved. Volunteers - both individuals and groups - have become an essential part of the SJH community, making it possible for the Home to achieve its mission through their generosity and support.

Mr. Lioe also announced plans for SJH to expand into a nursing home capable of caring for seniors who require greater support. Renovations set to begin in 2026 will increase bed capacity from 144 to 174 and boost nursing care staff from 17 to 80. Looking ahead, SJH envisions becoming a hub for community care by integrating home-based, day-care, and community eldercare services, ensuring seniors have seamless access to the support they need. Mr. Lioe expressed his hope that volunteers would continue to support SJH as it evolves in these new directions.

Act One – Feasting

The party started with buffet dinner featuring favourites like “loh bak”, deep fried battered fish and curry chicken. Friendly volunteers from SJH’s Tuesday Café team stepped up to serve dinner. Their warm smiles as they dished out generous portions of tasty food was a good start to a night of warm fellowship, touching performances, and fun.

Act Two – Festivities

Once everyone was properly fueled for the night, festivities kicked off with a brilliant ice-breaker - share the story behind your name. Jo-Ann left everyone in stitches with her story of her Chinese teacher who called her “zuo (left)N” because he could not pronounce Jo-Ann. Lilian should have been named “Ai (love) Wan. Alas, the clerk registering names of new borns recorded her name as “Ah Wan”. The second game, “Guess the Price” of groceries from Sheng Siong, like rice and scallions, got everyone’s adrenaline pumping. It was no surprise that the ladies from the Tuesday Café team won by a huge margin, much to their delight.

The festivities reached their emotional peak during the performances put on by residents and staff in honour of the volunteers. Mr. Arvind opened with a heartfelt version of “If Tomorrow Never Comes.” Next, Mr. Tan Eng Leong delivered an impassioned performance of “Wo Jia Zai Na Li.” His song held added meaning because Mr. Tan, who almost had to leave SJH—his beloved home—chose it for this occasion.

Mr Thomas John (I Just Called to Say I Love You), Mdm Lee Sau Mei (Nan Wang De Chu Lian Qing Ren) serenaded volunteers as well.

Mdm Soo Yan Ning and Doris (volunteer) brought the audience into another world with their duet from the famed tragic Chinese opera “Butterfly Lovers” about a pair of star-crossed lovers, who are united in death as a pair of butterflies.

The program continued with a dance performance following the singing. Nurse Rani, accompanied by Paul Zion from Volunteer Management, Nurse Christina, and volunteer Tamali, delivered an impressive Indian dance that was well received by the audience.

Just when it seemed that nothing could top Rani’s dance, several residents came onto the dance floor and bopped to the infectious beat of “All About That Bass”. They got their audience clapping and tapping along. Best of all, volunteers were invited to join in the dance. They did so with gusto.

Act Three – Finale

A Thank You video from SJH residents, SJH staff dedicating their song “Because He Lives” to volunteers, rounded off the night’s festivities. The residents’ Thank You video highlighting the difference that volunteers have made to their lives undoubtedly moved the volunteers. It made everything they did meaningful and worthwhile. Volunteers felt even more appreciated when each one received a hand-made Thank You Card made by the residents.

Epilogue

The last word goes to the volunteers themselves – this is what Tamali, Lilian and Doris had to say. They had fun. They liked the way the organisers got everyone involved, just like family. They felt appreciated by SJH residents and staff.

Performances by the residents were their favourite part of the programme. They were moved by the residents’ can-do attitude and the tremendous effort they made to entertain volunteers. The Thank You video from the residents left Tamali “very emotional.” Lilian and Doris were happy that a “small” effort from them could light up the lives of SJH residents. Knowing that they are making a difference and experiencing the gratitude of SJH residents and staff spur on Tamali, Lilian and Doris to continue volunteering.

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If you are seeking opportunities to positively impact the lives of seniors, achieve fulfillment through meaningful service, or contribute as a valued member of a larger community, we invite you to consider joining us.

Contact us at  progvm@stjohnseldershome.org.sg +65 62854446