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SCMP Reporter

Where: 248 Nam Cheong Street, Shamshuipo, Kowloon

What: Established in 1956, the society is Hong Kong's first and largest charity group dedicated to serving the visually impaired as well as raising public awareness about their rights, abilities and needs. Its services include: medical, rehabilitation, educational and support, vocational training, employment, residential, public education and consultancy.

How: Visit www.hksb.org.hk  or call 2778 8332 for more information.

Volunteer: Gregory Fung Wai-ki has been doing voluntary work for HKSB's Yuen Long Home for the Aged Blind for eight years.

'I first learned about the home from my mother, who is also a volunteer with HKSB.   I had just finished my A-Level exams and wanted to gain more life experience as well as learn more about the society, so I joined.

'We take the elderly people out for a meal in nearby restaurants two or three times a month. We also take them to the clinic for medical check-ups, and I help with festival decorations. My friend and I once used about 400 red packets to build a three-dimensional model of a dragon in the home to celebrate Lunar New Year. That was quite remarkable.

'The elderly people generally  adapt well to life at the home.  The staff arrange many activities for them and provide them with facilities that cater to their daily needs.

'But I think sometimes what they want most is for people to care more about them because their family may not be able to visit them  very often. Our job as volunteers is more about  keeping them company so they don't feel  neglected.

'My volunteer work has taught me  how to take care of people and  be patient. Many elderly people there suffer from other illnesses as well as eye problems. When we take them out for a meal, we  have to pay attention to what kind of food we order because some of them may have high blood pressure or diabetes.

'Also, we  have to be careful when helping them on their way to the restaurants, such as reminding them to watch the stairs. Some of them are very bright and cheerful, but we  need to be sensitive and mindful of their situation. For example, we try to remember not to ask them to look at something but  guide them to listen, touch or feel the environment instead.

'I think helping people is a great source of happiness. Doing volunteer work is about experiencing life and doing something meaningful in your spare time. This is my motivation for being a volunteer.'



Hong Kong Society for the Blind (HKSB)