Kinderland’s rewarding time with seniors of Lions Befrienders

Kinderland has embarked on a partnership with Lions Befrienders Service Association (LB) since 2018. LB aims to promote active and positive ageing among a community of seniors. To help achieve this goal, Kinderland has raised more than $30,000 over the years via the fundraising programmes. In 2019, over 2000 children raised more than $12,000 by selling art and craftworks, hand-made cookies and through other charitable activities. Apart from raising funds, our children also volunteered and performed for the elderly.

Anthony Tay, Chairman of LB, is grateful for the partnership with Kinderland. “The funds raised allow our seniors to continue enjoying our programmes and services.” Beyond monetary aid, the children’s presence promotes intergenerational bonding and at the same time, improves the seniors’ well-being. The seniors often looked forward to seeing the young children because mingling, sharing and having common activities between the two generations bring within the seniors a greater sense of fulfilment, self-worth and self-esteem when they share their skills and experiences. Mdm Loh, a befriendee (beneficiaries under the Befriending Services) aged 88, staying alone in a rental flat, was thoroughly entertained by the children’s performance. She shared, “I love the impressive performance put up by the children. They brought lots of joy all around.”

The fundraising, volunteering, and performing activities add to classroom learning. The children display “Life-long learning” and “Care and concern”, which are core values of Kinderland. With a common goal in mind, our children learn how they can work with their peers and raise funds for the seniors. They also show greater love, respect and selflessness towards them. When asked about their experiences, the children were more than enthusiastic. Tiew Yi Jing, K2, said, “I like to see the seniors smile when we perform for them.” Another K1 student, Wu Jing Rui, was all smiles and laughter, “Spending time with the seniors at LB make me happy.”

Kinderland will continue its close partnership with LB to enhance the lives of the seniors. As our children bring joy, life and laughter to the seniors, they also bring home with them valuable life lessons and experiences through showing care and concern to these seniors.