Providing physical and moral support for the frontliners
As the COVID-19 pandemic extends to its second year in 2021, the situation in Singapore remains unpredictable. There have been constant changes to the safety measures, and many healthcare workers battling for a long time on the frontline have been feeling exhausted, with around 1,500 resignations in the first half of the year alone. After a year’s gap, Tzu Chi volunteers decided to help out at the Community Isolation Facilities once again. They served items such as fruits, drinks and Jing Si products to the frontliners during their break time in the hope of providing support and motivation through their sincerity and warmth.
Frontliner: They come every day, rain or shine.
Frontliner: When I heard that you guys are coming here, I feel very warm inside.
Tzu Chi volunteer: I am brewing Roselle tea today to bring to the frontline workers at Chia Ping.
It’s them. They are the ones who give the Chia Ping frontline workers something to look forward to every day.
As the COVID-19 pandemic extends to its second year in 2021, the workers who have been battling for a long time on the frontline can’t help feeling exhausted. After a year’s gap, Tzu Chi Singapore volunteers were at the Community Isolation Facilities once again to show their care for these frontliners.
Gregory Ow, CIF Ops Director, NUHS: Because the staff might not be able to take breaks that often, they don’t have time to take their lunch on time. Because of Tzu Chi’s willingness to work alongside these frontliners to provide this additional support, I think it’s really appreciated by everyone.
Khoo Kean Yee, Tzu Chi volunteer: After last year’s experience, we are more prepared and now everyone knows what they like, what they drink, and their needs.
Khor Chin Seng, Tzu Chi volunteer: Those frontline workers have a tough time. That’s why all the more we should support them in spirit and actions.
In this past month, there have been different types of tea prepared every day. Together with the spiritual advice from Jing Si Aphorisms, it all boosted the morale of the workers. After a year’s gap, the support has continued at this place.
Phang Ying Jie, NUHS Ops Supervisor: The time at Big Box last year left a deep impression on me, the volunteers were very kind and friendly.
NS: (What does it say? Accurate?) It is reminding me not to be lazy.
Phang Ying Jie, NUHS Ops Supervisor: I feel that these slips of words are very encouraging, and also constantly reminds me to persevere.
Ong Han Li, Medical Operation Manager: It really helps us a lot, as sometimes we feel tired and we need to wear PPE. Then after serving the patients, with the care from you all, it helps to reduce the pressure.
Cheryl Chan, NUHS Ops Executive: I don’t think it’s a small act, it’s a selfless act of love.
This group of volunteers in their blue and white uniforms, is akin to a gust of soothing wind, removing the fatigue of the frontliners with their sincerity and warmth.
