It was a fun-filled and meaningful day for QIUP volunteers who spent their time with the children at Praise Home recently helping them usher in the Year of the Dog. This activity which was organised in line with the QIUP Staff Social Responsibility (SSR) saw volunteers mingling and sharing at the half day event.
Praise Home provides shelter, protection, care and discipline within a loving family environment for children and teenagers between the ages of 4 to 18 years. Started in 1998 by Rev. Clement Wong, Praise Home is home to orphans, underprivileged, abandoned and abused children. They have since expanded to two Homes – Praise Boys Home and Praise Girls Home.
Both the homes for boys and girls are dedicated to the cause of nurturing these children with the love to overcome their past and to live fruitful lives. Through the Praise Home programme, hurting children have been restored mentally, emotionally and physically. Through much love and care, they experience breakthroughs in healing, restoration and growth.
QIUP volunteers mingled with the children through designing lion dance costumes using recycled boxes and clothes. The children then proceeded to perform a lion dance using the materials they made. Other activities included making Chinese New Year crafts such as paper cutting, ink painting and fish making. There was also a sing and dance along session to the beat of Chinese New Year songs by both the children and volunteers.
The day ended with the prosperity toss (yee sang) and distribution of mandarin oranges and ang pows (chocolate gold coins). Everyone had a good time and it was a very meaningful day and time well spent for the volunteers.
