Social support for seniors | The Star

MEMBERS of the public, especially schoolchildren, are invited to visit the senior residents of Selangor King George V Silver Jubilee to provide companionship to them, said the home’s trustee exco chairman Datuk Seri Yong Seng Yeow.

“We invite visitors to drop by not only during festive occasions but also during other days of the year,” he said.

“Schoolchildren can interact with the senior citizens just like how they would with their grandmothers, by telling stories or doing manicures for them.

“Such visits offer social and psychological support to our elderly residents.”

Yong receiving an orange from a lion during the visit by the MagnumCares team. — LOW LAY PHON/The Star

Yong said the 87-year-old welfare home is bound by an enactment to care for Chinese women aged 65 and above, who have no dependents and no next-of-kin to care for them.

“There are 31 residents at the moment, most of whom are single and without dependents.

“A few are from hardcore poor backgrounds.

“We provide free, full-time care for them until they pass on,” he said.

The welfare home residents enjoying the lion dance performance.

He added that the residents take part in gardening, light exercise, chess, karaoke and help with the home’s upkeep, depending on their ability.

Yong was speaking after a visit by the MagnumCares team, who brought some festive cheer to the senior citizens by distributing festive goodies and hosting a lion dance performance.

The MagnumCares Welfare Homes Outreach programme, which is in its 40th year this year, is the flagship corporate social responsibility festive initiative by Magnum 4D Bhd.

(From left) Chan and Yong distributing ang pow to the residents.

The company said its MagnumCares programme would continue its tradition this Year of the Dragon, of supporting senior citizens, disabled communities and underprivileged children in over 230 welfare homes nationwide.

Besides distributing over RM770,000 in donations, festive goodies, groceries and ang pow, the initiative, through the MagnumCares Home Enhancement Programme, also aims to repair, refurbish or replace the homes’ infrastructure and facilities.

A total of 52 welfare homes with more than 7,700 residents in the Klang Valley will benefit from the Welfare Homes Outreach programme this Chinese New Year, with a total of RM157,000 to be distributed through home visits and events.

Magnum Group chief commercial officer and executive vice-president Datuk Chan Chee Fai said, “As we celebrate the 40th year of our Welfare Homes Outreach programme, we are honoured to continue our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of the communities we operate within.

“Chinese New Year is a time for hope and new beginnings, and we are delighted to be able to contribute towards creating a brighter future for all.”

He said customers were invited to join MagnumCares by bringing festive cheer this Chinese New Year via its Project Magnum Hearts initiative.

“By scanning your Magnum 4D tickets on the MyMagnum 4D app, you can accumulate ‘hearts’ that you can use to support our mission in refurbishing welfare homes and schools,” said Chan.

Yong also expressed his thanks to Magnum for their support of more than 20 years.

Present during the visit were Magnum 4D Bhd national retail and operations senior vice-president Stephanie Ang, ENE (Selangor) and (East Coast) Sdn Bhd vice-president II and regional head Lim See Chin, Magnum 4D Bhd corporate communications and customer insights vice-president Goh Sin Giin as well as Magnum 4D Bhd brand and CSR vice-president II Aamelia Ma.

Selangor King George V Silver Jubilee is located on Jalan Jubilee, off Jalan Loke Yew, Kuala Lumpur.

For enquiries, call Yap at 03-9223 4891).