On 16 February 2025, Tzu Chi volunteers arrived at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to provide ongoing care and celebrate the Lunar New Year with the residents. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. On 16 February 2025, which is the 19th day of the first lunar month, Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore) volunteers specially visited the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) to provide ongoing care and celebrate the Lunar New Year with the residents.
(Photo by Lin Huey Chun)
The volunteers arrived three hours earlier than usual to meticulously decorate the multi-purpose hall, aiming to bring joy and abundant blessings to over forty residents.
Volunteer Joseph Lim Meng Khiang (left) engaging in warm brotherly conversation with the residents. (Photo by Ng Hock Soon)
Volunteer Joseph Lim Meng Khiang warmly interacted with the residents, saying, “I call him ‘Big Brother’ because he’s amazing and always takes the initiative to talk and interact with us.”
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
During the event, emcees Lin Ming Jie and Ong Chiou Ting interacted with the residents in both Mandarin and English, asking, “What year was last year?” To which the audience responded in unison, “The Year of the Dragon!”
The emcees asked further, “Last year we celebrated the Lunar New Year here together, and now the Year of the Snake has arrived. What will next year be?” The residents quickly answered, “The Year of the Horse!”
“Shall we celebrate together next year?”
“Yes!” The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause.
“Wishing you prosperity, good health, and happiness every day!”
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
The volunteers prepared a colorful and appetising plant based vegetarian Yu Sheng, and everyone did the prosperity toss together, symbolising a year of good fortune and auspiciousness.
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
“Cherish every moment and share happiness with everyone. With giving comes receiving, and spring blooms at this moment!”
The newly released New Year song for the Year of the Snake was filled with meanings and blessings, reminding everyone the importance of sharing and finding joy in it.
“Spring breeze kisses my face, telling me it is now spring…”
Volunteers sang and danced on stage, spreading the joyful spirit of spring. Inspired by the atmosphere, several residents eagerly took to the stage to hum and dance along with the music, creating a lively ambience.
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
Amidst the joyful atmosphere, volunteers served each resident delicious finger food, New Year cookies, and chocolate milk, allowing everyone to savour the festive warmth while enjoying the treats.
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
Additionally, the volunteers learned popular Korean songs and performed lively dances that ignited enthusiasm throughout the venue. Following that, the much-anticipated karaoke segment began, with many residents eagerly participating, taking turns to sing their favourite Mandarin, English, and even Hokkien songs.
(Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
“When you sing ‘The God of Wealth is Here,’ I’ll appear early to present you with gold ingots!” The tall and sturdy ‘God of Wealth’ Lam Chee Onn, held gold ingots, offering blessings and encouragement to the residents.
“May everything go smoothly, and may you gain wealth and longevity!” The God of Wealth then walked around, interacting with each resident and nurse in both languages.
Lam Chee Onn shared that he had played the role of the God of Wealth nineteen times this year, yet this Tzu Chi event touched him the most. Before the event began, he sang the Tzu Chi song “Love and Care” with the volunteers to bless the occasion and couldn’t help but shed tears.
For the institutional care activities at the IMH, Lam Chee Onn has played the role of the God of Wealth ten times. On this day, he also conveyed sincere blessings to the head of the Institute and expressed heartfelt gratitude for their assistance, which allowed Tzu Chi volunteers to celebrate the New Year with the residents. He emphasised that this support enables volunteers to spread warmth and blessings to each resident.
Group photo at the end of the event. (Photo by Lin Chun Huey)
Coordinator Gan Woon Hoon expressed her gratitude, mentioning that the success of this event was due to the collective efforts of many volunteers. The emcees and sound control team transformed the initially quiet scene into a lively celebration; the decoration team filled the venue with a vibrant Lunar New Year atmosphere; performing volunteers not only brought exciting acts but also interacted with the residents; the housekeeping volunteers quietly prepared over fifty servings of snacks and tea; and some volunteers even provided haircut services for the residents.
Gan Woon Hoon shared a touching moment when she helped a young resident peel a mandarin orange, watching as he ate it piece by piece, which deeply moved her. She remarked that Tzu Chi volunteers have consistently showed love and care for the residents for twenty years.
“We’ll see you next month!” As the nearly two-hour gathering came to an end, volunteers bid farewell to the residents, extending their blessings and looking forward to reuniting next month.
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