Seniors Testimonials

Story of Madam Deivanai

At 75 years old, Aunty Deivanai exemplifies compassion in action. Featured in Tamil Murasu, she is a dedicated senior befriender with Blossom Seeds, reaching
out to socially isolated seniors with care, concern, and companionship. Through regular visits and engagement in mental wellness and physical activities, she brings comfort, connection, and renewed hope to fellow seniors.

Her selfless commitment reminds us that seniors are not just beneficiaries of care but vital contributors to a caring and cohesive community. We thank Aunty Deivanai for her time, heart, and unwavering service to the community.

Story of Madam Esah
At 77, Mdm Esah has been a devoted caregiver to her frail and reserved husband. After joining the Blossom Seeds East Canberra Zone 1 Resident Network at Blk 107A, both began participating in weekly senior activities, building connection and engagement within the community.

A retired chef with 10 years of experience in a Nasi Padang stall, Mdm Esah now brings her culinary skills to volunteer every Thursday in communal dining under the Happy 123 programme, serving frail and vulnerable seniors at the Blossom Seeds Active Ageing Centre. Meanwhile, her husband attended the “Say No to Frailty” course, improving his physical mobility and wellbeing, a transformation that inspires her continued contribution to the community.

Mdm Esah exemplifies how personal care, community engagement, and skills-sharing can enrich the lives of seniors and strengthen neighbourhood bonds.

Story of Aunty Lee Eng
At 98, Mdm Lee Eng How preferred living independently, with her children staying far away and visiting when they can. Living alone, she often felt the world was loud and unkind, counting sleepless nights and feeling isolated.

Referred by grassroots after noise complaints, she was introduced to her neighbour, Mdm Teo Geok Lay, 70 years old. A simple gesture that quietly transformed her days.

Through daily walks and bus rides to the Blossom Seeds Active Ageing Centre, Mdm Lee gradually embraced community life. She joined gentle exercises, shared meals, laughter, and stories, and found purpose volunteering alongside her buddy, packing items and helping with distributions.

Today, her life is fuller, with friendship, independence, and connection flourishing together in her neighbourhood.

Story of Aunty Vasantha
At 71, Mdm Vasantha joined Blossom Seeds fearful of falling due to chronic health conditions. With her family’s support, she enrolled in the inaugural “Say No to Frailty” programme in 2024, a collaboration with Singapore Institute of Technology's (SIT)

Prof Tim Xu, designed to empower seniors to live confidently in the community. Today, she walks with confidence and thrives in our Gym Tonic sessions, embracing an enriched and more active life. Her journey is a testament to courage, determination, and the transformative power of support.

Special thanks to Minister Ong Ye Kung for sharing her inspiring story.

Beneficiary [CENTRE|CBP]

Mdm Jarnail Kaur, 75

Empowering Seniors to Give Back

(The late) Mr. Singh was our CBP beneficiary and Mrs. Singh (Mdm Jarnail Kaur) was the caregiver. A homemaker all her life, she is quiet and soft-spoken.
Her husband passed away shortly after the Circuit Breaker. Bereaved with the departure of her loved one and depressed when she stays alone at home, the team contacted her constantly and showed our concern.
She joins the exercise sessions and festival celebrations together with other seniors. We also taught her to go onto Zoom and get her onto the digital platform whenever she is unable to come to the centre.
Knowing that there are many seniors who may need support, she started befriending work accompanied by the befrienders.

BSL VOLUNteer [Mdm sabaria] | BSL STAFF

I worked in Singtel for 44 years and retired at the age of 62 years old.

I noticed that there are many needy seniors who needed support. Sometimes, the older generation may not understand recent policies and the young people may not be able to understand the seniors. I have ageing parents and one day I will also grow old.

If I stay at home, I will only be watching TV. Volunteering at Blossom Seeds allows me to make friends with people from all walks of life. Other than the daily activities, I also enjoy the festival celebrations and get to understand other cultures. I also attended the befriending sharing, excel course and talks on infection control, emergency response, amongst others.

Blossom Seeds support needy seniors from all races and religion and I feel welcome in Blossom Seeds. I am grateful that I am able to contribute by visiting them.

2021 May - Blossom Seeds Centre and CBP Volunteer Sabaria

COMMUNITY | RELIGIOUS PARTNERS

Testimonial gave by our religious partner, Mr. Izuan M Rias (Executive Chairman of Assassyafaah Mosque and Darul Makmur Mosque) during Blossom Vesak fundraising event 2021.

SPECIAL MENTIONED BY PRESIDENT HALIMAH YACOB

BSL has been blessed to be mentioned by President Halimah regards to our collaboration with Youth Corps Leaders on an Intergenerational program called Project We+65 that aims to address social isolation among seniors. An abstract from her speech made to the Youth Corps Aspirants on 22 January 2022 as shown below: