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Eden Social Welfare Foundation
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2020-01-20

Eden fulfilled the dream of an elderly who lives alone

“I don’t want to eat the Chinese New Year Feast alone. I’d love to have some company…” Mr. Zhang looked down to the ground while making this wish. Eden has been running the “Love-Chinese New Year Feast” campaign for years and we decided to fulfill his dream. On the 15th, our social workers brought along a chief to visit Mr. Zhang. They were about to prepare a grand meal for him and asked him to invite his friends.

Eden’s social worker visited mr. Zhang to fulfill his dream

(Eden’s social worker visited mr. Zhang to fulfill his dream)

 

Tears of joy ran down from Mr. Zhang’s face. In year 2017, a stroke made his left hand and left leg weaker than usual, he lost his job because of this, now he turned 72 years old this year. It is getting even harder for him to find a way to make money. Living in a container house alone, he never gives up on life. And with his neighbors’ help and Eden’s care service, he is able to obtain the daily necessities.

 

This year, Eden has 25 “Love-CNY Feasts” nationwide. Over 2,700 caretakers got to share this joy and feast with their friends and families. Eden also brought the feast to 353 elderly and disables who have difficulties leaving their residences. By doing so, these caretakers get to enjoy the spirit of the holiday which they normally can’t since they live alone. The director of this year’s event asked the caretakers whether if they want to invite anyone else to join. This not only gives the caretakers their right to make choices, but also fits the spirit of the Chinese New Year.

Eden’s social worker Jia-hong Pan (right) and Diretcor of the Pingtung Community Action put up spring couplets

(Eden’s social worker Jia-hong Pan (right) and Diretcor of the Pingtung Community Action put up spring couplets)

 

Scribbled 8 names on a paper, Mr. Zhang shared the name of the people who have helped him before. His hands were shaking because of the excitement. “I’d like to ask these people who had helped me before to eat this feast with me!” He cracked a smile with pride while saying this and it soon blasted into unstoppable laughter when those 8 people all agreed his invitation in the phone calls.

 

Diretcor of the Pingtung Community Action Ms. Lin Chun-fong helped Mr. Zhang on decoratin the house and putting up spring couplets. Every participants will also recieve a thank you card from Mr. Zhang. The spirit of the holiday lingered in the air. 

 

Friends and Mr. Zhang after the grand Chinese New Year Feast

(Friends and Mr. Zhang after the grand Chinese New Year Feast)

 

 

Eden’s Director General Ms. Jin-ping cheng of the Southern Division indicated that the main idea of Eden’s care service is to respect life. Often times, the underprivileged elderly and the disabled families lives in a rural area. It is more difficult for them to receive helps and services. Their poor economic and body conditions worsen the accessibility of the service. To keep the flow of “love” running through the community is Eden’s main task and goal.  The “Chinese New Years Feast” is formed under this goal. With the wonderful meals and love, the underprivileged elderly and the disabled families can start the year with joy and love.