A traditional Chinese reunion dinner is important in the eyes of the elderly. When we gather with our families on Chinese New Year Eve, what happen to the solitary elderly who also wish to be loved by people around? That is why The Salvation Army invited 200 elders, who live alone or are without family support, to come to our reunion dinners in elderly centres on 27 January 2017. They enjoyed a joyful moment with other elderly friends at their familiar centres, and received gifts sponsored by The Bank of East Asia, Limited, and the Rotary Club of Peninsula Sunrise.
Seven Salvation Army elderly centres are serving the elderly living in Yau Tsim Mong, Chuk Yuen, Tai Wo Hau, Tai Hang Tung, Tai Po and Aberdeen districts. Some of the service users, who have a weak family support network, are singleton elders, hidden elders or those living with their spouses. The Army has received positive response from the reunion dinner participants for the past four years, so this year we invited 200 elders to gather at the centre in their own district to enjoy a heart-warming moment with their fellows and Salvation Army staff. The Rotary Club of Peninsula Sunrise sponsored poon choi and more than 100 scarves for the elderly at The Salvation Army Yaumatei Multi-service Centre for Senior Citizens.
Games and songs were arranged for all participants, followed by the reunion dinner and dumpling dessert. By the end of the event, all elders received gift sacks sponsored by The Bank of East Asia, Limited. Through holding this reunion dinner, the Army hopes to promote the spirit of caring for the elderly in the community, especially the elderly in need.
