Peacehaven
While Lunar New Year is synonymous with the warmth of reunion dinners and the vibrant clatter of celebration, for many vulnerable elderly in the community, the season serves as a poignant reminder of isolation.
For seniors at The Salvation Army Peacehaven, the festive period can be quite bittersweet; amidst a tradition centered on homecoming, the absence of family presence is often felt more acutely as they are reminded their family and loved ones are not celebrating with them.
Recognizing that the spirit of the season should never be a solitary experience, Peacehaven Group transforms its residential home into a sanctuary of shared joy. Our Chinese New Year celebration is meticulously designed to be more than a communal lunch – from the nostalgic melody of festive music to the symbolic tossing of yu sheng, every detail serves to honour the residents’ cultural legacy and dignity.
By fostering this atmosphere of warmth and intentional presence, we ensure that while our residents may be away from their ancestral homes, they are never away from the feeling of being loved and remembered. In the absence of immediate kin, their relationships with peers, staff and nurses become a vital source of belonging for the elders under our care.
Sojourn
Similarly, the holiday highlights a different kind of distance for the Chinese migrant workers supported by Sojourn. Far from their provinces and the loved ones they labor to support, these men spend the season thousands of miles away from home and their loved ones. In these moments when the silence of an empty room or a distant home feels heaviest, The Salvation Army steps in to provide more than just a meal; we offer a sense of belonging.
By being the family that bridges the gap, Sojourn strives to ensure that even in their loneliest hours, our migrant brothers and sisters know they are remembered and valued.
A native of Shandong, China, Liu Aijun has spent over 17 years in Singapore contributing to its industry as a store-man and delivery assistant. His years of steady labor were suddenly interrupted by a workplace injury sustained while delivering goods. For a migrant worker, an injury represents more than just physical pain; it brings a frightening sense of vulnerability and a heavy reminder that his support system is thousands of miles away.
Thankfully, Aijun found Sojourn, which turned a time of uncertainty into a journey of recovery. Through Sojourn’s support, he found the resources for his rehabilitation and the emotional support to tide the season while far from his province and kin.
“Being part of Sojourn has given me
support and friendship, and I’m really grateful for their care and help.”
Watch Part 1 & Part 2 of the “Same Joy” series on Facebook & Instagram!
Discover Liu Aijun’s story and get a glimpse into the meaningful work of Sojourn.
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