01 Nov 2009
Small amounts, big differences
Changing lives through a fund for needy patients
Mention the word “donation”, and the first thought that comes to most people’s minds is money. But when Mr Soon Hock Chay, 64, received a letter appealing for donations from Singapore General Hospital (SGH), he came up with a novel idea.
The artist, who receives treatment at SGH Pain Centre for a gum ailment, decided that instead of just giving a small cash donation, he would hold an exhibition of his paintings, and donate half of the sale proceeds to the SGH Needy Patients Fund.
This would not only help generate more cash donations, but also create public awareness of the Fund.
The exhibition, titled “Trees of Life”, was held at ArtsExpressions, an exhibition space dedicated to patients’ artwork at SGH. It showcased a small collection of Mr Soon’s oil paintings featuring still life, trees and scenes of the Singapore River.
By using his art as an avenue to help people in need, he hopes that those who face difficult times will persevere and pull through, just as he had. “I’ve received so much in my lifetime and I’m grateful. I always believe that when you can help others, you should make sure you give what you can, no matter how much or how little. It is never too late to do something,” said Mr Soon.
He received
Diabetic patient Chay Yue Kong appeared depressed when medical social worker Florence Fong met him three months after his first visit to SGH.
Mr Chay’s situation had worsened since the last time Ms Fong saw him. The part-time relief security guard tired easily and was unable to clock as many hours in his job as before, leading to a drop in his monthly income by half to about $400. After paying his rent, he could only afford bread and water for sustenance.
With help from the SGH Needy Patients Fund, Ms Fong gave him $50, of which Mr Chay used $10 to top up his prepaid mobile phone card and $40 for his transportation and daily needs. “Many people underestimate the importance of keeping patients contactable,” said Ms Esther Lim, Head of SGH Medical Social Services. A week later, Ms Fong received an unsettling phone call from Mr Chay.
He was facing eviction and was even contemplating suicide. Fortunately, Ms Fong succeeded in persuading him to pay her and her colleagues a “final” visit at SGH. The social workers managed to persuade Mr Chay to be admitted to the psychiatric ward. They gave him another $50 from the Fund to pay his rent and later found him shelter at the Asian Women’s Welfare Association Community Home.
Today, Mr Chay has a more positive outlook on life. His diabetes is under control, and he has been able to start looking for a new job. The medical social workers taught me how to manage my condition, encouraged me and made me feel valued.
If not for their help, I’d be sleeping on the streets or even have passed on by now.
I’m very thankful to them,” he said. In his own small way, Mr Chay is also giving back, by assisting other elderly residents. He said: “I don’t have much money myself, but I try to help the elderly at the home by buying them some food and other things when needed.”
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