Creating safe havens for seniors: How she’s passing on her father’s legacy gift to help Singaporeans
Published on
20 Sep 2024
Published by
The Straits Times
While her late father's 30 years of generosity to the Community Chest has made a lasting impact, even modest gifts can preserve cherished values and memories
Seniors who live alone held a special place in the heart of Mr Lee Hiok Kwee, says his daughter Tracy Lee.
Her father was particularly moved by the plight of elderly individuals who, often isolated and lonely, lacked the comfort and companionship that many take for granted.
“My father was an extremely filial son who firmly believed in caring for our parents as they age,” Ms Lee, shares. “He was particularly concerned about the mental health of the elderly.”
During his lifetime, Mr Lee, a businessman who was actively involved in fundraising for children who required financial aid, expressed his desire to find meaningful ways to also support the elderly.
Since his passing 30 years ago, his family has honoured this wish through his trust fund, the Lee Wee Kheng Fund.
“My mother approached the Community Chest with the legacy gift based on my father’s hope for improved quality of life, and proper care for the elderly,” says Ms Lee.
The lasting impact of legacy gifts
Over the next three decades, Mr Lee’s contributions helped support several charities, including the Community for Successful Ageing (Comsa), Lion Befrienders, the Dementia Association and most recently the Pertapis Senior Citizens Fellowship Home in 2023.
According to Acting Head of Home for Pertapis Senior Citizens Fellowship Home, Mr Raja Mohan, donations from the Lee Wee Kheng Fund have significantly improved the home's infrastructure in creating programmes and activities tailored to the residents' needs. “These contributions have helped provide care and comfort, enhancing the quality of life for our residents,” he adds.
Ms Lee, has also witnessed firsthand how her father’s generosity has benefited others, "We know that Lion Befrienders used the donations to install safety features in the homes of seniors living alone, while Comsa was able to improve and expand its facilities for those attending its daycare sessions," she says.
Through these efforts, Mr Lee's legacy continues to provide comfort, safety, and companionship to elderly individuals who might otherwise feel forgotten.
“While I believe it is necessary to look after your own family first – after all charity begins at home – it’s good to spare a little for others and give back to the society you have been a part of,” says Ms Lee.
“If your small, selfless act can make a difference in someone’s life, it is a good legacy to leave behind.”
All donations make a difference
Contrary to popular belief, no amount is too small for a legacy gift to benefit those who need help in society. Take the case of Ms Law Yu Chui, 65, a company director.
When her mother – who donated regularly to charity causes such as the Fu Hui Buddhist Cultural Centre and President’s Charity event – passed away last year at the age of 91, the family donated all the condolence money to the Community Chest.
The total sum amounted to a little more than $6,000. Ms Law says that her family was not in need of this money and it was more meaningful to donate it to charity.
“I am sure my mother would have felt the same way too,” says Ms Law.
The family didn’t specify which agency should receive the money and left it up to the Community Chest to decide as it has a view of where the gaps are and which organisations need the money, which Ms Law says gave them the confidence to make the donation.
“My three siblings and I also decided on the Community Chest because it is under NCSS which has good internal control and we felt more at ease knowing that.
“The process was straightforward – I just wrote a cheque and a letter explaining the reason behind the donation,” says Ms Law.
She shares that while she is not familiar with the practice of donating legacy gifts to charity, it is a blessing for her family to help others in need.
In fact, Ms Law’s two children aged 36 and 38, have also suggested that she donate part of her estate to charity after she’s no longer around.
“Everyone knows that doing good is a good thing, especially donating part of your estate to charity, which is common in Western countries, but not among the Chinese.
“My children are more open-minded than my generation,” she adds.
For more information on how to make a legacy gift, visit https://go.gov.sg/legacygiving-st.
Visit the Community Chest to find out how to make a lasting difference by donating your time, talent, or resources to communities in need.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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