Call it a stroke of serendipity. Cordelia Tan was doodling while accompanying her mother, a patient at Sengkang Community Hospital (SKCH), when she met Patient Experience Associate Jenny Tan. Jenny was impressed with the self-taught artist's drawings and asked if Cordelia could engage patients with drawing lessons by becoming a volunteer.
"I've been thinking about volunteering since I was a student but life got in the way," she said. "Now, I want to spend time doing what I've always wanted to do."
In particular, Cordelia was drawn to volunteering at a community hospital, where a majority of patients are elderly. Sharing that seniors have a special place in her heart, she said, "Our elderly have contributed immensely to society. We mustn't neglect them and should give them more support and encouragement."
Cordelia currently juggles her time between being a full-time caregiver to her mother and a volunteer at SKCH. She has been actively volunteering at SKCH, and looks forward to doing even more in the wards after a few mandatory vaccinations.
"I've been busy performing with other volunteers at the SKCH Community Heart. Now that I have received the necessary vaccinations, I look forward to visiting the wards to know the patients better and teach them how to draw!" said Cordelia.
She welcomes more people to lend their time and expertise to engaging patients at the hospital.
"Volunteering offers one of the most rewarding experiences both for you and the patient. If you are considering to volunteer, there's no time like the present!"
Walking the Talk
It was during a chat with a staff from the SKCH Outreach and Volunteers team that Derick Wong learnt about iWalk, an annual event organised by SingHealth Community Hospitals to encourage a healthy lifestyle while also raising funds for patients and programmes.
iWalk's worthy cause struck a chord with Derick, whose mother had received rehabilitation at SKCH following a knee surgery. He went above and beyond in supporting the event by rallying his company to contribute as a corporate donor.
"I thought that it is quite interesting for an organisation to have a signature event which brings together communities, friends, and families to support patients," said Derick.
He added, "As a business owner, one of my goals is to help the community. Being able to give back to those in need gives me a greater sense of personal satisfaction and growth. It also feels good to help others."
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