Loosely translated as “long time no see”, the volunteers led by the society’s vice-chairman Robert Chew had stopped their Sunday routine for eight months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hawkers generously handed over vegetables, fruits, fish, chicken and dried food to the eight volunteers as they went around the market.“This is long overdue and the stall owners told us they had missed the sound of the ringing of our bell every Sunday,” said Chew. He said during the eight-month stoppage, the centre was supported by donors who personally sent food items to them.On booster doses for the residents, he said they were not eligible for them yet.“However, some employees who met the criteria have already received their doses,” said Chew.Family members who want to visit their loved ones, can only do so at the gate.“We will interview them first to see if they are able to take care of themselves while at our centre.
Chew said although no fees were charged, family members were encouraged to give what they could afford. “We have 10 employees on our payroll but have not received funding from the government for two years,” he said.