| Achong Tanjong |
IN LINE with her mission of giving back to the local community, Cecilia Lee, creative director of Fun Bee Park and IA Salon, organised a food and goods drive to benefit the Seria Old Folks Home, encouraging the public to donate dry food items, household and general items for the elders at the nursing home.
With the help of local newspapers in spreading the news about the drive, and support from customers of Fun Bee Park, IA Salon and Polly Transport, donations came in huge amounts, Lee said.
As of May 1, Fun Bee Park received huge quantities of rice, dry noodles, canned goods, biscuits, powdered drinks and toiletries.
Aside from household items, generous sponsors also donated soft and comfortable blankets, face and bath towels, soft slippers and even gas cookers, kettles and water heater dispensers.
“I would like to thank everyone who extended their support towards this drive. I cannot believe the power of love Brunei has for its community. This drive would not have been possible without their help. I hope that we don’t stop or limit ourselves in giving back,” Lee said, adding that, “we aimed not only to collect donations, but also to spend some time with the old folks, clean up the house and bring cheer to them.
Cecilia Lee speaks to the media. – PHOTOS: ACHONG TANJONG
Items collected for the Old Folks Home in Seria
“We should value everyone in our community – from the very young to the old. But sadly, old people in nursing homes can often feel isolated and excluded. Developing stronger connections between the old and their community can bring positive benefits. Even those with serious memory loss or cognitive limitations can still enjoy a visit, even if they don’t remember it later,” said Lee.
The collection of donations started in April and ended on May 5. However, those who still want to send donations are welcome to do so.
Lee said the handover of donations will be held tomorrow at 9.30am at the Seria Old Folks Home. Fun Bee Park is also inviting volunteers to spend time with the elders and help with cleaning the house and assisting them with lunch.
Lee noted that the drive is the first such event being organised by Fun Bee Park, and is set to be an annual activity. She added that she used to do reach out programmes in Malaysia by sending goods to those in need.
“I think that there are a lot of people in Brunei who love to do charity work not only for the old folks but also for the orphans,” she said.
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