The following news article is in today (22/06/10) Star News. You may check it online here:
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/6/22/central/6510418&sec=central
Wishing all Happy Mother's & Father's Day
Best regards,
Bil Choy
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Volunteers entertain old folks
By CHITRA S. NATHAN
TEARS streamed down 78-year-old Robert Ang's face as a group of volunteers serenaded the septuagenarian and friends at the Mother Care Nursing Home in Seremban recently.
Ang who has Alzheimer's was among the nursing home's 40 residents feted by volunteers from the Malaysian Public Service Society (MPSS) in celebration of both Mother's and Father's Day.
"I was touched when I heard the young girl sing a song dedicated to parents. It made me miss my own children," he said of P. Shuwetha's performance of a Chinese song.
Shuwetha, 12, and other volunteers did not mind sacrificing their Saturday morning and entertained the old folks with a medley of Chinese and Tamil songs as well as a dance performance.
Showing love: Young volunteer M. Naviinesh, 10 feeding a piece of cake to Yip Khuan Yoke, 71 during the Mother's and Father's Day celebration at the nursing home "Although the old folks are well taken care of at the home, I am sure they wish their children were with them.
"That's why I didn't mind helping out when my parents asked. At least we managed to put a smile on their faces," she said.
MPSS president Andrew Raju said although the event was only a half-day affair, it made a world of difference to the old folks at the home.
"They look forward to visitors and since they rarely go out, they appreciate it when people take the trouble to come here and spend some time with them.
"Our event was such a simple affair but you could see the joy on their faces. It is their day today," he said.
Raju said it was sad to hear of cases where old folk were abandoned and it was the community's collective responsibility to care for the aged.
Sweet music: Shuwetha playing a Chinese tune on the veenai at the Mother Care Nursing Home "It is our duty to care for our parents and it is sad to hear of cases where old folk are just dumped in hospitals.
"We should remember our parents' sacrifices.
"That is one of the reasons we decided to celebrate with the parents at this home. We wanted them to know they were appreciated," he said.
The oldfolk later joined in a cake-cutting ceremony before a sumptuous lunch was served.
Many of the residents chatted with the young volunteers who were more than happy to listen to their stories.
Home owner R. Parameswary said she started the facility to help those who could not provide round-the-clock care for their aged parents.
"The residents' children visit them daily or weekly but the old folk still look forward to visitors and entertainment," she said, adding that the home also provided nursing care to its residents.
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