Shu-Chen Chen | Australia
A Legacy of Care in Perth
In June 1997, Tzu Chi volunteers began sowing seeds of compassion in Perth, Australia. Just a month later, they initiated regular visits to Hamersly Elderly Care Home, where they offered companionship and care to residents. For over two decades, Tzu Chi volunteers brought warmth and support to elderly residents, building bonds and a strong presence in Perth’s charitable landscape. However, in March 2020, the global onset of COVID-19 forced a pause on this long-standing outreach, bringing an unexpected end to 23 years of continuous service.
A New Beginning
Australia’s diligent response to the pandemic eventually led to high vaccination rates, allowing the country to gradually transition to a “living with COVID” era by early 2022. Nonetheless, the elderly in care homes, a particularly vulnerable group, remained under strict protective measures. Facilities like Hamersly continued limiting external visitors for over three years. By 2023, some restrictions eased, and the care home cautiously allowed visits from those who could provide flu vaccination proof, pass a rapid antigen test, and wear masks. Despite these challenges, Tzu Chi volunteers persisted, reaching out again to see if they could revive their in-person visits.
In August 2024, after nearly four and a half years, Tzu Chi volunteers received permission to resume their visits—under one condition: they would have to keep their masks on at all times.
Songs and Laughter Fill the Halls
As volunteers walked through the care home, curious eyes from both residents and staff watched their every step. For the elderly residents, the volunteers’ presence, along with lively music and warm smiles, sparked both intrigue and joy. Eager to lift spirits, the volunteers spread out among the residents, singing familiar tunes that resonated deep within their memories. One song after another brought back nostalgia, sparking smiles, laughter, and sometimes even tears.
The enthusiastic volunteer Mei Hua, with her innate sense of rhythm, swayed and danced to the upbeat tunes, prompting hearty laughter from residents. In a setting usually quiet and uneventful, Mei Hua’s spirited movements and the lively music created a joyful escape. One elderly lady, enchanted by the songs, held a volunteer’s hand tightly, wanting to hold on to this joyful moment.
A Special Bond Reborn
One elderly resident, a refined lady, expressed her gratitude by gifting the volunteers a full issue of The Times, a thoughtful gesture symbolizing her appreciation. Her daughter had sent her the newspaper from the UK, and this was her way of showing how much she valued the volunteers’ time and care.
The warmth of the gathering soon attracted the attention of the care home staff. Several caregivers, moved by the joy spreading through the room, paused their duties to join in the singing and dancing. Though it was their job to work in the care home, their genuine fondness for the residents was evident. Seeing the volunteers bring life to the normally subdued environment, they encouraged Tzu Chi to expand their visits to a nearby care home as well.
Generations of Kindness, Hand in Hand
Over the years, the Tzu Chi volunteers themselves have grown and changed. Those who were once young adults are now middle-aged, and many now bring their children along as young volunteers. One former youth volunteer now watches as her child, inspired by the same spirit, performs sign language to the song “Give Love,” a touching moment symbolizing the continuity of compassion.
These visits, halted for so long, have found new life. The joy and kindness Tzu Chi brings to Perth’s elderly care homes is like a treasured legacy, passed down through generations. Volunteers are hopeful that their work, much like an heirloom, will continue to inspire love and service in the years to come.
Click here to listen to the song Give Love.
