Spreading Joy at Assisi Bhavan: An Evening with the Elderly

Dear Reader,

Last weekend, we had the privilege of spending a delightful evening at Assisi Bhavan, a serene abode for over 50 elderly residents, nestled in a tranquil setting overseen by the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of the Immaculate Conception. With the warm sunshine casting a golden glow and the beautiful landscape enhancing the ambience, our team of eight volunteers eagerly set out to spread smiles and create memorable moments for the residents.

Upon arrival we quickly sprang into action, arranging chairs in a welcoming circle. As we completed our setup, the residents slowly began to trickle in, their faces lighting up with anticipation. Equipped with a microphone and loudspeaker, we began by introducing ourselves and outlining our plans for the evening. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as we kicked off with a lively game of passing the parcel, accompanied by the timeless melodies of Kishore Kumar suggested by the residents themselves.

Laughter and music filled the air as participants took turns singing short songs as forfeits, showcasing their talent, and bringing joy to everyone present. Some of the songs included Wooden Heart, God's Love, Mere Sapno ki Rani Kab Aayegi Tu and one resident, Maria, even sang a Konkani hymn named Maria! We then transitioned into a game of housie/tambola, where participants eagerly marked their cards, hoping to be the lucky winners. Prizes were awarded for various winning combinations, including Jaldi 5, 4 Corners, Bull's Eye, 3 Lines, and 3 Full-Houses. The delighted winners were treated to delicious chocolate bars, adding to the joy of the occasion.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers - Shruti, Ritik, Debanjali, Khushi, Chanchal, Vinay, and Craig- who went the extra mile to ensure every resident could fully participate. They set up chairs, assisted those needing help with numbers, distributed tickets and prizes, managed music, and ensured everyone felt included. We also express our gratitude to Sister Sophie D'Souza, Sister Stella Pereira, and Sister Theresa Michael for their invaluable assistance in ensuring the success of our visit.

The warmth and gratitude expressed by the residents as we bid farewell filled our hearts with joy and reaffirmed the importance of moments like these. Our visit was a truly wholesome experience, reminding us of the power of kindness and the profound impact of simple gestures.

Let's continue to spread joy by extending a helping hand to the elderly in our communities and brightening their days with acts of kindness.

Sincerely,

UDGAM