In 2006, one of Amma’s children, while attending Chinese New Year Celebration at the Hua Kwan Moral Society neighbourhood link in Toa Payoh, observed that most of the elderly residents had some difficulties walking. These elderly themselves were not aware of their own health conditions because most of them were living alone.
The following week, volunteers from the Society went to Toa Payoh Block 31 and initiated a simple mobilization, stretching and balancing exercise routine on a weekly basis. Initially about 10 residents came forward to participate, but in the course of time, the participation increased to about 30. In addition to the ongoing weekly exercise routine, the Society also conducts health talks and regular health screening with help of a voluntary staff nurse.
In 2007, simple breathing and relaxation techniques were added to the stretching sessions. This was conducted in both Mandarin and Malay with the aid of an audio CD. Volunteers from the Society also take the elderly for picnics and outings to places such as Botanical gardens, Changi beach, Pierce Reservoir and the Marina Barrage. The Society also conducts a simple English language communication skills course to the senior citizens.
Volunteers from the Society have been visiting houses of sick and needy individuals on a regular and ad-hoc basis. The visits are aimed at helping the families to cope with difficultsituations. Some of the support involves taking the families to hospitals for treatment, taking the elderly for walks, providing guidance to families with financial difficulties by directing them to available aid agencies, or just talking to them and sharing their grief.
During Ammas 2008 visit, society distributed provisions to 50 needy families. Since then the Society has been distributing provisions to a few needy families on a monthly basis. In the coming months, Society wishes to increase this to cover more needy families.
Serve a meal project was initiated by Amriteswari Society with the help of Sri Arasakesari Sivan Temple to provide food on every sunday evening to the needy residents at Marsiling Blk 2, 3 and 4.
From March 2009, Amriteswari Society has embarked on its second Serve-A-Meal project at Little India. This project involves cooking and serving about 50 meals, every sunday to needy individuals.
Amtieswari Society planning to extend this project to Jurong area as well.
Thos who wish to support / volunteer on this project, please Mrs. Lalitha @ 98574030.
Volunteers from Amriteswari Society visited Pelangi Home / MCDS from 1997 to 2002. Group activities were conducted to promote physical and mental well being. At end of the program residents were provided with snacks and drinks for their tea. After closure of Pelangi Home, volunteers continued to visit residents who were relocated to a new Social Welfare Complex.
The aim of the volunteers from Amriteswari Society is to continue to support, bring cheer and happiness to the residents who are now residing at Meranti Home @ Pelangi village of No. 6, Buangkok Green Singapore 539751. (Tel: 63159147). It is a home for the destitute.
There are about 180 male residents in the home. Residents are in the approximate age range of 35-80years. They need to be motivated to participate in group activities to prevent social isolation and promote physical and mental stimulation to maintain their well being. Group activities will encourage interaction within the group, introducing residents to volunteers and vice versa. This would also set the stage for the rest of the group program.
We provide a one hour program to entertain residents. The program start off with the introductory speech by one of the resident, chanting of the opening prayers by volunteers, self introduction of volunteers, solo singing, solo dancing, group dancing for AMMA’s bhajan and finally serving of snacks bought for their tea. After their tea, residents are free to continue to mingle with volunteers, engaging themselves in karaoke, singing, dancing, ball and carom games. Some residents do not have a family and no one to visit them at all. We are thankful to God to be given this opportunity to visit and make these residents feel the sense of belonging.
We are taught by our Holy Mother AMMA to love everyone equally and help the less fortunate. Being inspired by AMMA, we named our visit “ AMMA’s Day” because our aim is to share AMMA’s love and her teachings with the residents.
We need to expand the number of our core volunteers in order to plan and carry out a structured program. We welcome people, who are self motivated, autonomous, suggest creative activities for the residents. We also need volunteers who can contribute snacks, fruits etc and also assist in serving of snacks.
If you need any further information or assistance please contact Ruba ( Hp 83831847). Volunteers between 16years and 21years, please obtain parental consent prior to joining us. Being young and vibrant you are encouraged to share your talents and add happiness to the lives of the residents.
In conjunction of our Satguru Mata Amrithananda Mayi Devi's 56th Birthday. Amriteswari Society volunteers planted 56 fruit trees which will include, banana, jack fruit, Neem, Vilva, mango and lemon as part of “Green Friends” Project Tree Planting @ Arasakesari Temple,25 Sungei Kadut Avenue, Singapore 729679
Only through love and compassion is the protection and preservation of Nature possible." —Amma
