THE key to happiness and self-worth lies in serving the community, according to two of the most helpful grannies in the territory.
Keeping elderly heads groomed and teenage boys in line has been paramount for Ng Chun-kwan, 83, and Har Yan-yan, 68, for more than a decade. The pair received congratulatory awards in the first Best Volunteer Scheme for the Elderly yesterday.
Ten elderly people were selected from more than 150 nominations for voluntary services to the community.
Mrs Har said her experiences with her own children and grand-children spurred her into volunteering at a Quarry Bay boys' home, were she teaches the importance of 'love, confidence and patience'.
She is known as 'grandma' by the boys in the homes, many of them abandoned by their families.
'It is important to teach them to respect others so, no matter what offence some of these boys have done, I still treat them as good boys,' she said.
