Building a community one door at a time - Keeping Hope Alive mission beyond CNY

A group photo of Fion with her team.

You may have encountered the "We listen and we don't judge" trend making it rounds on social media. Volunteers at Keeping Hope Alive (KHA) take this saying literally.

Every Sunday at 7.30am without fail, they head down to rental flat estates. Going from door to door, volunteers check in and interact with residents. If help is required, it is offered unconditionally and immediately. Among the group of revolving volunteers, KHA’s founder, 55-year-old Fion Phua remains a fixture.

The initiative is exceptional in several ways. For one, Fion has been running KHA for the past 37 years and counting. KHA has never been registered as an organisation or a charity platform, and yet, it was awarded the President's Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards in 2015. We speak to Fion to learn more about one of the most recognised ground-up initiatives in Singapore and her four-decade-long volunteering journey.

A forty-year journey of giving

Fion's foray into volunteering began at 16 when she and her then-boyfriend (now-husband) were looking for an affordable and meaningful date night activity. The pair decided to spend their shared time volunteering at old folks' homes, nursing homes, and care homes.

"While volunteering, it struck me that these people in need must come from somewhere. I wanted to reach out to them before they had to ask for help. So I got a bunch of friends together to scour rental one-room HDB flats in the area I grew up in, and offer support directly to these individuals."

Throughout her time volunteering, one particular encounter with a family living in a one-room rental flat touched Fion. A father had reached out, asking for a laptop for his son’s Polytechnic studies. Fion provided him with a spare laptop, and KHA continued to support the family over the years. Eventually, the son graduated and they could move into a 2-room BTO flat.

Fion and her team preparing to clear a hoarding house.

What it truly means to help

While volunteers are eager to extend help, residents may not always respond with equal enthusiasm. Fion recalls how many residents were initially unreceptive and found her “weird”. It was discouraging to be frequently met with indifferences, rejection and the occasional rudeness.

"That’s why before each walk around, I always give my new volunteers a heads up – come with courage. We go in with no expectations and accept all outcomes.”

If residents reject their assistance, KHA volunteers will respect their decisions and not impose. This stems from recognising how everyone has unique living habits which they may not wish to change.

But should the residents allow the volunteers into their homes and lives, Fion highlights the volunteers’ need to “be thankful for the privilege of stepping into the resident’s shoes and transforming their living conditions for the better.”

“After completing the task, our volunteers will always thank the resident for giving us a chance to serve. It's important not to go to the residents with a ‘We are here to help you’ attitude. Instead, we should approach with a ‘Please help me be a useful person’ mindset.”

Young volunteers sorting out clothes for the residents.

Building a network of volunteer support

Depending on age groups and profiles, issues differ. Some deal with hygiene and cleanliness challenges; they may be hoarders living in clutter. Others face financial woes and aren’t able to pay utility bills.

Common issues the elderly need help with are cleaning fans, replacing light bulbs, fixing leaking taps, and mending toilet bowl cracks. Those who have illnesses may not have adequate support or refuse their medication.

Fion and her team support the community in multiple ways. Aside from the more practical contributions such as providing medical care, cooking food, and transporting people or goods around, others sing, give massages, and cut hair.

“Not all volunteers might like to clean but they can choose whatever ways they want to help, however they are capable. My first group of friends who started knocking on the doors with me eventually became private sponsors.”

Fion and the team doing door-to-door invitations to CNY dinner.

Bringing people together through hope

Additionally, KHA brings neighbourhoods together by distributing household essentials and organising group outings.

This coming Chinese New Year, KHA is organising a 100-people meal at a dim sum restaurant. There also will be a lou hei organised for the residents. The team will also go door-to-door to check on the same residents, see if they have any home appliances that require fixing, and assist with spring cleaning before the Lunar New Year.

Through such community events, friendships blossom among residents. Eventually, these bonds become the foundation of a strong social support system.

“Connecting with people is very important. I always encourage people to invest in relationships instead of luxury goods. When you need help, a Hermès wallet won’t help you,” Fion jokes.

“But in all seriousness, volunteering has enriched my heart. The first time I volunteered, I was a scared 16-year-old. 40 years later, my fear has changed to sympathy and eventually now, empathy. I've grown to become more accepting and to think about the needs of others.”

To those thinking of volunteering, Fion encourages them to “donate your time on Earth”.