Medical Auxiliary Service volunteers host elderly outing at Ocean Park Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Medical Auxiliary Service volunteer team organised a special visit to Ocean Park for elderly participants, pairing them one-on-one with young volunteers to promote intergenerational bonding and community care, said Deputy Secretary for Health Dr. Fanny Fan.
HONG KONG's Medical Auxiliary Service volunteer team hosted a special outing for elderly residents at Ocean Park on Saturday 7 November, pairing each senior with a young volunteer for a day of activities and companionship.
Deputy Secretary for Health Dr. Fanny Fan said at the launch ceremony that the Medical Auxiliary Service volunteer team has always been an important force serving the community, using their spare time to take part in different public-interest services. She thanked the Medical Auxiliary Service cadets and all volunteers for accompanying the elderly on a one-on-one basis during their trip to Ocean Park, which fully demonstrated the volunteer team's spirit of caring for the community and mutual assistance.
Other officiating guests included Medical Auxiliary Service Volunteer Team Chairman and Ocean Park Board Vice-Chairman Wong Yin-wing, Acting Chief Staff Officer of the Medical Auxiliary Service Chan Wai-kuen, Ocean Park Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer Wong Chi-fai, and Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui Welfare Service Service Director Chan Yuen-yi.
With assistance from the volunteer team, Medical Auxiliary Service cadets and Hong Kong Metropolitan University students, participants were led by park staff to the 'Giant Panda Adventure' area for a special panda-themed experience, where they could view giant pandas up close, before visiting other parts of the park and enjoying a happy time together.
This year marks the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and next year will mark Ocean Park's 50th anniversary. At this significant moment, the volunteer team said it hoped the event would allow elderly participants to revisit a place full of cherished memories, share their life stories and valuable experiences with the volunteer team, cadets and Hong Kong Metropolitan University students, promote intergenerational exchange, and at the same time raise public awareness of the needs of the elderly to help build a caring and inclusive society.