A St. James’ Settlement Volunteer Team consisting of 24 persons has visited the Shenshek Village located in Lantau Island the second of October, aiming to provide home maintenance service to those helpless elderly who lives in the village; the works include water & electricity maintenance, cement construction and paintings etc.

　　Mr. Chan Ping -lun, the in-charge social worker for the project, mentioned that they have well prepared for the job by making an advance site visit and inviting licensed technicians to go. Reassuring all necessary tools, materials or facilities must be arrived in the village before the action day in order that the project can be accomplished without a hitch.

　　He said: “the time schedule for the visit was very tight. Taking to the fact that there was only one round trip connecting boat from Tung Chung to Shenshek Village at eight o’clock in the morning and one o’clock in the afternoon everyday; the team has to assist three families without a short few hours. We are glad to see that all volunteers are very helpful and easy-going, even carrying heavy load for over half an hour.”

Installing Water Heater

　　Firstly, we have arrived at the house of Old Uncle Koo, age at 83 living alone. He was raising pigs when he was young. He adapted to the simple life in the village although he got kids. Uncle Koo got no heater at home; he has to boil hot water for bathing. Our volunteers have replaced all water pipes inside and outside his house in addition of installing heater, electric fan and lights in his home.

　　Another couple we served was Uncle & Por Por Wan, both ages over 90. Since Uncle Wan couldn’t walk properly, his daily living has to rely on his old wife for support but Por Por is already 93. They still use gas-liquid stove to boil water for bathing or other purpose, it would be very dangerous for her to carry hot water around. The volunteer team has therefore installing water heater in their home as well as fixing handles in the washroom, replacing washroom facilities and stained water pipes.

　　The volunteer team of St. James’ Settlement has serviced many elders so far, trying to improve their living conditions in order to avoid home accidents. Because it is voluntary in nature and the clients are poor and deprived, all their services are free of charge. Mr. ／Chan Ping-lun would like to raise this to the public, inviting more people to join the volunteer team, giving your efforts to those helpless in the society as well as donating money, helping us to service the society with varieties. For enquiry, please call 2835-4321 or 8107-8324.