Introduction

Besides providing assistance to the needy in the dark corners of the society, Tzu Chi also extends its care to welfare homes and institutions such as mental health centre, old folks home, leprosy home and hospitals. All these years, Tzu Chi volunteers pay visits to the patients and residents regularly without fail. Works include cleaning and tidying their living environment, feeding, haircut service, spiritual care and entertainment programmes to cheer them up.  There are currently 8 institutions where Tzu Chi provides schedule visits. The spirit of great love manifested by the volunteers has not only warmed the hearts of the destitute but has also earned recognition from the respective institutions and the society at large.

Singapore Leprosy Relief Association (SILRA) Home

Founded in 1971, the SILRA Home is committed to improving life of ex-leprosy patients in Singapore through providing them with a home, basic care and love.

Members of Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association began visiting residents in the home in February 2001. Besides helping with tidying their living environment, the youth also sat with the elderly folks to give them company and listen to their chatter. Festive days like the Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival and etc were celebrated with much fun and games too.

The long term care of the volunteers has eventually inspired residents of the homes. Turning from being helped to helping others, 14 residents gladly joined as monthly donor of Tzu Chi in 2003.

After 2 years of planning by the management, the residents were relocated to their new premise at Lorong Buangkok on 10 September 2005. As they move on to a fresh chapter of their lives, the youth and adult volunteers alike continue to stay by their side helping them getting used to the new environment.

Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital

Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital (KWS) is a charitable organization committed to providing quality healthcare to the sick and needy in Singapore.  

Our Tuesday service at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital began in 1991. Most of the patients are bereaved old folks. Every week, Tzu Chi volunteers would be there to assist the nurses by feeding and giving company to the patients, bringing joy and warmth to their hearts.

HCA Day Care Centre

The HCA (Hospice Care Association) Day Care Centre which is adjacent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital is a charity establishment sponsored by the Ministry of Health & National Council of Social Service to take care of the terminally ill cancer patients. Tzu Chi volunteers started visiting the patients in the centre twice monthly since September 2000. Through various activities that bring cheers and laughter to the otherwise still atmosphere, the volunteers sincerely accompany the patients through to their last days.

Sun Love Home

Sun Love Home is a 208-bedded nursing home for psychiatric patients. The Home offers rehabilitative programs, from daily supervision to psychotherapy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and medical treatment.
An asylum may be a place of unpleasant suffering, but it is also a place where love and care could come in to help. During the monthly visits, the volunteers would engage patients in games and group dynamic to reinforce positive interaction with them.

Institute of Mental Health / Woodbridge Hospital

Established 77 years ago, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is now a 2,425-bed acute tertiary psychiatric hospital located on a sprawling 30-hectare campus called Buangkok Green Medical Park, in Buangkok View. Despite the social stigma associated with psychiatric patients, Tzu Chi volunteers entered the hospital in Nov 2003 and since began monthly visit to the patients at Block 6.  With compassion and action, Tzu Chi volunteers hope to relieve the depressed souls and bring lights to their otherwise gloomy lives.

Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF)

Having visited Tzu Chi’s Headquarter at Hualien, Taiwan and deeply moved by its missions done throughout the world, Dr Allen Yeoh, senior consultant at the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Children’s Medical Institute, NUH, wished that Tzu Chi people could also join the volunteer force at the children’s cancer ward.

With the help of Dr Yeoh, the Children’s Cancer Foundation (CCF) established connection with the Social Work Department of Tzu Chi Foundation and soon Tzu Chi volunteers began render their service under the CCF Supervised Play Programme on a weekly basis. Comprised of female members, the motherly volunteers lovingly serve as the “therapeutic software” for the children’s uneasiness while coping with their sicknesses.

 Spastic Children’s Association School - Cerebral Palsy Centre  

Tzu Chi Singapore began its volunteer service at the Cerebral Palsy Centre since February 2006, which is located near the Jing Si Hall.  This is the branch’s first community care service in the neighborhood since its relocation to Pasir Ris.

Children with cerebral palsy have multiple disabilities and require special care. Tzu Chi volunteers have to undergo training at the center before they are able to offer their service at the center. With enthusiasm and active participation, the volunteers soon build up close bond with the children.  The 3-hour “Music and Drama” activity held every Friday morning is thus an enjoyable session for both the volunteers and the kids.