Operation Santa Claus: Elderly enjoy a rare outing at Jumbo Kingdom seafood restaurant in Aberdeen

Dozens of elderly people who rarely leave their local neighbourhoods because they live alone or use wheelchairs enjoyed a rare outing, exploring different parts of the city with volunteers from property firm Melco Group.

About fifty elderly people from the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel travelled from Tuen Mun to the Jumbo Kingdom seafood restaurant in Aberdeen last Saturday to attend a Christmas party hosted by Melco.

For many of the attendees, it was their first visit to the iconic floating restaurant as most lived by themselves or had limited mobility.

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“I’m so happy as everyone can gather together to have fun,” said Fok Yu, a 92-year-old grandmother who was the oldest participant at the event.

While she looked healthy and smart despite her old age, Fok spent most of her time at home and only met other friends once a week in the elderly centre.

“I have never thought of coming to the South District,” said Chen Liyuan, who came with her 65-year-old husband Au King-chun, who uses a wheelchair.

For Au, travelling had been a challenge ever since he suffered a stroke 10 years ago and now relied on the wheelchair to move around. He also suffered from incontinence.

Chen said her husband ventured outside their home just once or twice a month.