On the afternoon of 14 January, Pals for Active Living (P.A.L), one of the teams under Singapore Pools' staff community program (iShine), collaborated with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) to visit patients at the Singapore Pools-NKF Dialysis Centre at New Upper Changi. This Dialysis Centre is a joint initiative between Singapore Pools and the NKF, as part of Singapore Pools' efforts to reach out to the community. NKF provides quality, highly subsidised dialysis treatment and holistic care, as well as education and prevention of the kidney disease.
A total of twenty P.A.L. volunteers were matched one-on-one with the patients. In their interactions with the patients, the volunteers had a better understanding of each of their medical conditions, as well as personal life stories. Volunteers brought cheer to the patients, were introduced to the dialysis process, and even brought around the centre to better understand their operations.
The event highlight was the rounds of Bingo game. One could see the excitement on every patients' face each time the numbers were drawn. The winners were so happy and had related their joy as if they had won the lottery. The patients were also treated to non-sugared beverages and snacks that afternoon.
The P.A.L volunteers could sense the change in the patients' openness to them, from when they first arrived and towards the end of the visit. At the end of the day, they were happy to know that this short visit had mean so much to the patients, and it has indeed been a heartening experience volunteering at the centre.
Christine Chew, one of the volunteers said; "These patients spend about 3 to 4 hours each time here at the centre and it reminded me how valuable time is. Despite their condition, many patients keep a positive outlook of life, health is indeed wealth."
Team P.A.L. promotes active ageing among elderly Singaporeans, as physical and social wellness are vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in one's golden years. They engage the elderly in active ageing pursuits such as social outings, celebrations of festive occasions and lifelong learning.