Connecting and Caring – Volunteers of Assisi Hospice

Volunteers give solace, comfort, companionship and compassion from the littlest of gestures to the gentlest of touch as more patients come through the doors of Assisi. They gave patient care but also contributed to the numerous activities of Assisi. We are eternally grateful to their caring hearts that connected selflessly with those who needed them for their final journeys!

“Another pair of hands makes all the difference…” Valerie Lee, 45, a fundraising volunteer.

“You have to be active, positive and accepting when working with the terminally-ill…” Grace Baptista, 69, an adult daycare centre volunteer.

“You have to be patient and be prepared to love no matter what…” Winnie Ngui, 38, a children’s centre volunteer.

“Death is not the end, the quality of care in the transition is equally important, to be there for the family, to make sure the patient is at peace for the final goodbye…” Morag Henry, 50, an inpatient ward volunteer.

“Being a volunteer at a hospice, and facing the reality of death, has taught me to value life. Taking care of patients with terminal illnesses is not easy especially when they confide their fears of death. It is very satisfying to know that by simply being there for the patients, they find comfort and solace. Just holding their hands, singing songs, and sometimes praying with them (if they are of the same faith) have helped to allay their fears for the moment.

Helping the staff at Assisi Hospice ensures that the patients live the last days of their life in comfort and with dignity. I have had the chance to ponder over the meaning of life and how I should live my life to the fullest. I can’t profess to have found the answers to these profound questions but this volunteering opportunity has certainly started me on the quest to find the answers…” Huang Yufang, 19-year-old undergraduate, In-Patient ward volunteer since February 2009.