On February 5, Yilan Education and Nursing Institute held its “Eden Annual Banquet”, inviting service residents, staff members, volunteers, and distinguished guests to gather together and enjoy a festive end-of-year reunion surrounded by steaming hot dishes and warm companionship. The event featured a variety of performances and a lucky draw. Mr. Yu-chao Chen, President of Eden Foundation made a special appearance to deliver remarks, while CEO Mr. Tine-Yuang Ho and Vice CEO Ms. Sheng-Ying Tsou presented “Warmth Gifts” on behalf of the foundation, ensuring that residents who live long-term at the institute and cannot return home could also experience the festive cheer and blessings unique to the holiday season.
Mr. Yu-chao Chen, President of Eden Foundation, made a special attendant at the Yilan Education and Nursing Institute to extend New Year’s greetings to the residents.
The event kicked off with a powerful performance by the Taiko drumming club, composed of persons with disabilities. Their thunderous drumbeats opened the festivities, drawing continuous applause from the audience and symbolizing a new year filled with strength and hope. Following this, the choir, music and movement group, and dance club took turns performing, showcasing the results of the residents’ daily learning and practice. Their confident presence on stage became the most touching sight of the event.
Since Hsiao-Ming entered the Yilan Education and Nursing Institute, he has improved his self-care skills with the support of Eden staff.
Hsiao-Ming, a member of the Music and Movement Group, is 29-year-old and has been residing at the Yilan Education and Nursing Institute for nearly a year. He is classified as having severe autism. As his parents are growing older, his family chose to place him at the Yilan Education and Nursing Institute to receive stable residential care and support services, considering his long-term care needs. Before moving in, Hsiao-Ming spent most of his days at home watching TV and resting, with an irregular daily routine; Since moving in, under the guidance and support of the educare givers, he has gradually established a regular routine and is now able to actively assist with simple tasks within the institute, such as cleaning and hanging laundry, resulting in improved self-care skills.
Hsiao-Ming (left), participating in the “Eden Annual Banquet” for the first time, has become more willing to interact with others since moving into the Yilan Education and Nursing Institute, thanks to the support of social worker Yu-Wei Lee.
Hsiao-Ming’s mother shared that after her son returned home, she noticed a marked change in his daily routine and overall demeanor. Not only has his sleep schedule normalized, but he is also more willing to face the camera and actively participate in activities. Although Hsiao-Ming struggles to express his emotions verbally, he naturally grooves to the rhythm whenever he hears music. Therefore, under the guidance of his instructors, he joined the music and movement group, where he demonstrated rare focus and engagement within the class. During this New Year’s Eve gathering, he also took the stage with the group, participating through rhythm and music to express his joy, and demonstrating his growing confidence by playing a handbell.
Director Pei-Yu Lee, Eden Yilan Education and Nursing Institute, shared that we currently serve 197 persons through full-time and day-care programs. Based on their abilities and interests, the institute offers diverse clubs and life skills training. Through music, movement, performance, and daily participation, the institute assists them build confidence and a sense of accomplishment while improving their self-care abilities. The annual banquet not only ensures residents “eat well and stay warm,” but also aims to create a moment of togetherness where they feel valued and respected through companionship and shared experiences. It also serves as an opportunity to express gratitude to the dedicated staff members and volunteers.
Eden Foundation CEO Mr. Tine-Yuang Ho (first from left) and Vice CEO Ms. Sheng-Ying Tsou (first from right) presented new year warmth gifts, allowing service residents to experience the unique festive cheer and blessings of the season.
Eden Foundation stated that it has been promoting the “Eden Annual Banquet” event since 2014. This year marks the 13th consecutive year the foundation has accompanied persons with disabilities and the seniors—including those living in long-term care facilities, living alone, or with limited mobility—to share a warm meal together during the new year holiday season. This year, we plan to hold 34 “Eden Annual Banquet” events before the Chinese Lunar New Year, serving nearly 4,005 service users, and will deliver New Year’s meals and warmth gifts to the homes of 243 persons with limited mobility. We sincerely invite the public to join us in this effort, taking concrete action to assist more people in need enjoy a peaceful and joyful New Year. To donate, please visit Eden’s official website at https://www.eden.org.tw (opens in a new window) or call our support hotline at 0800-025-885.
With the assistance of Eden’s staff members and volunteers, every participant enjoyed a joyful and satisfying meal.
