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 April
15th marks the second charity visit for HOManiacs. This time round, our
destination was an olds folks home called Rumah Victory located along Old Klang
Road. Rumah Victory houses 13 residents ranging from early 60s to late 80s. It
has 7 rooms and each room is equipped with its own bathroom. The bigger rooms
were occupied by 4 elders while the smaller ones were occupied by 2 elders. |
Morning registry
On a bright Saturday morning at 10 am, we all gathered around the compound
of Rumah Victory. We were greeted by Paul; a man in his mid forties, and
Anna; an Indonesian help. Chan-sok, the acting supervisor took our
attendance as we had to sign the registry. Chan-sok, Paul and Anna take care
of the 13 elders residing at Rumah Victory.
Gifts of love
Although it was not specified that members have to bring anything for the
Yeh-Yehs and Po-Pos, a few HOManiacs brought biscuits, canned food, rice
wine and other goodies. These may be considered as a simple diet to some of
us but it would be such a treat for the Yeh-Yehs and Po-Pos.
Mistaken identity
While waiting for the rest of the members to arrive, Joanne was asked which
society we belonged to and how often we organize charity visits. Joanne
glanced knowingly from Chan-sok to Paul and myself and explained that we
were actually members of a fan club for Wang Lee Hom. "Oh, no wonder your
T-shirt looks so familiar," Paul exclaimed, "I think I've seen all of you on
TV and newspapers before!"
Soldiers in the making
Attention! We were all geared up with rugs, pails, liquid detergents and
mops while dressed in our durable plus fashionable HOManiacs Tee. Some of us
scrubbed stubborn stains off the windows, sliding doors and floors while the
braver ones tackled the bathrooms. One unlucky rookie was berated by a
senile Po-Po who also accused her of stealing her bag when she tried to
clean the windows in her room. However, we carried on diligently, armed with
hearts full of love. By 11 am, our first mission was accomplished and Rumah
Victory was speck and clean.
 Happy Reunion
Bonding time! The girls started chatting with the Yeh-Yehs and Po-Pos as
Joanne snapped pictures of all the warm and friendly faces. It was not an
easy task to talk to some of the Yeh-Yehs and Po-Pos who were more reserved.
All the girls did not give up and tried different tactics to engage them in
conversation.
One of the Po-Pos started chatting with us about Lee Hom, whom she had
apparently heard and seen perform on the telly. Ooohhh, my favourite topic!
Another one of the Yeh-Yehs was suffering from Alzheimer disease and
mistaken one of the girls as his daughter. Being a sport after learning of
the Yeh-Yeh¡'s condition, the member acknowledged herself as his god
daughter, much to the amusement of the other Yeh-Yehs and Po-Pos. The
Yeh-Yeh was asked to sing a song for his new god daughter and he sang "Chui
Kang Ang Pui Bo"; a song from a Hokkien movie about a man who raised his
adopted daughter by selling bottles. The mischievous member told the Yeh-Yeh
that she will teach him a new song to sing instead. She took out her
hand phone and selected Lee Hom's "Xin Zhong De Ri Yue", which has
 brought
out more laughter especially among the members.
Kiss goodbye
Time flew by quickly and it was soon lunch time for the Yeh-Yehs and Po-Pos.
As they were nothing much left for us to do, we decided to call it a day. We
bid our reluctant farewells and felt worse watching the newly acclaimed god
father and god daughter hugging each other.
We had a quick group photo session and left Rumah Victory with smiles on our
faces at 1 pm.
| "It is always easier to be kind and charitable
for a few hours to some strangers. Let us keep in mind that charity
begins at home and to never forsake our elders. It makes me proud to
belong to a club that is also community conscious. I will definitely
support all future community projects organised by HOManiacs" - Soo
San |
Source: HOManiacs Malaysia
Author: Soo San
Date: April 15, 2006
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