On a quiet morning in Quezon City, the air along Kanlaon Street carried a sense of purpose. A team of six volunteers from the Tzu Chi Philippines branch arrived at the home of Teresita Wong (陳素嬌).
Teresita, a dedicated volunteer for tens of years, has long been a pillar of the community, devoting her life to serving others. However, the passage of time and recent health challenges, including a minor stroke, have limited her mobility. With blurred vision in her right eye and swelling in her left leg, the woman who once spent her days visiting families in need now finds herself requiring support within her own home.
Reflecting on years of service
Inside her home, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of reunion. The visiting team sat with Teresita, reminiscing about the many years she spent on the front lines of charity work. They recalled her tireless efforts in visiting impoverished households and her deep involvement in community services. For Teresita, these actions were never just tasks; they were a practice of the compassion that defines the volunteer spirit.
Despite her physical discomfort and slower speech, Teresita’s eyes brightened as she spoke with her fellow volunteers. Her thoughts remained with the organization she served for so long, expressing continuous care for the ongoing work in the Philippines.
LEFT: Volunteers brought stainless steel materials to install safety handrails. | Photo: Tzu Chi Philippines staff. RIGHT: Volunteers personally install the handrails in Teresita's bathroom and bedroom. | Photo: Juanets Kwok (郭嘉獎)
Learning that Teresita struggled to stand and move safely, the team arrived prepared with more than just well-wishes. They brought stainless steel handrails and the necessary tools to modify her living space. The volunteers took on the roles of handymen, carefully measuring heights, drilling into the walls, and securing the fixtures. Each step was taken with precision to ensure the rails could provide the sturdy support she needed.
Practical safety for home care
As the drilling and fixing continued, the volunteers focused on making the environment as safe as possible. They installed the handrails in both the bathroom and her bedroom, aligning them repeatedly until they were perfectly positioned.
LEFT: Teresita (center) shares her gratitude with the visiting team despite her health challenges. RIGHT: Volunteers work meticulously to drill and secure the new fixtures. | Photos: Juanets Kwok
When the installation was complete, Teresita tested the new supports. Gripping the firm metal rail, she was able to stand and walk with a newfound sense of security. A smile of relief appeared on her face—the simple addition to her home provided a tangible improvement to her daily quality of life. The handrails represented more than just physical support; they were a symbol of the mutual care shared among those who have dedicated their lives to helping others.
LEFT: These small handrails serve as a lasting link between different generations of volunteers. RIGHT: After the sturdy handrails are installed, Teresita uses them to stand and walk with a look of relief. | Photos: Juanets Kwok
A reciprocal bond of care
As the visit drew to a close, Teresita insisted on walking the team to the door, despite her swollen leg. She held their hands firmly, her eyes glistening as she thanked them for their time and the practical help they provided.
Before they departed, she reached for a pack of snacks she had prepared, insisting that the volunteers take them for their journey home. This small, sincere gesture moved the team, illustrating that the spirit of giving remains a core part of Teresita’s character.
This visit marks the beginning of a broader initiative to reach out to elderly volunteers who have given so much to society. By providing companionship and practical home modifications, the team aims to ensure that those who once cared for the community are themselves cared for in their later years.
Written by Qiang-qiang Gong (龔強強)
