05 Nov 2023
Towngas volunteers bring traditional yum cha experience to elderly homes, helping seniors to revisit past joyful moments with “soft meal dim sum”
(5 November 2023) Many seniors experience difficulties in swallowing, which can lead to inadequate nutrition and accelerated muscle deterioration. These challenges often result in their loved ones hesitating to take them out for meals, thus impacting their social lives. In an effort to promote the physical and mental well-being of the elderly, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) has joined forces with the elderly-focused social enterprise, The Project Futurus, to host the Sensory Restaurant on Wheels™ event. Elderly homes were transformed into nostalgic dim sum restaurants, where volunteers assumed the role of waiters, serving the elderly with an array of fresh, regular meals, minced meals, and soft meals, reigniting their passion for the pleasure of
yum cha.
“
Har gao! Siu mai!” The nostalgic chants echoed through the dining hall of Caritas Harold H. W. Lee Care & Attention Home, reviving the rare ambience of a traditional dim sum restaurant. One early morning, a dedicated team of volunteers arrived at the elderly home, transforming the activity room into a familiar dim sum restaurant setting, with teapots, tea cups, dim sum menus, and a charming dim sum trolley in place. Their preparation allowed the elderly residents at the care home to relive the enjoyable experience of
yum cha without leaving the comfort of their abode.
Fifteen members of the Towngas Volunteer Services Team (TVST) assumed the roles of chefs, restaurant managers, and waiters, tending to meal preparations, taking orders, and serving the elderly. Their effort helped transport the seniors to the vibrant setting of an authentic dim sum restaurant, rekindling the long-forgotten warmth and liveliness. With a concern for the elderly with swallowing difficulties, the volunteers also prepared soft meal options in the shape of dim sum on the spot. These delicious and safe offerings allowed the seniors to relish a truly satisfying dining experience.
In addition to creating a visually and tactilely immersive dim sum restaurant atmosphere, the event also catered for the senses of smell and taste of the elderly through a range of delectable soft meal options. Classic oldies from the 1960s and 1970s filled the air as the volunteers encouraged everyone to sing along and dance, providing auditory stimulation for the attendees. Granny Lee, who took part in the event, found it refreshingly fun. “The dim sum tasted really delicious. I am grateful to the volunteers and eagerly look forward to participating again in the future.”
TVST has already visited three elderly care homes to organise the Sensory Restaurant on Wheels™ event this year. Ms Queenie Man Wei-yin, Founder and CEO of The Project Futurus, the co-organising social enterprise, highlighted the importance of stimulating the elderly’s five senses—sight, touch, smell, taste, and hearing. This immersive event not only allows the elderly to indulge in a unique
yum cha experience but also boosts their appetite and preserves their dignity when it comes to dining.
Mr Isaac Yeung Chung-kwan, Head of Corporate ESG / Head of Corporate Affairs of Towngas, said, “This event provided diverse sensory stimulation for elderly individuals with dementia, offering them a lighthearted and enjoyable social experience.” He further emphasised Towngas’ commitment to social responsibility, particularly in promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the elderly. As at September 2023, TVST has organised numerous online and offline activities for the elderly, benefiting a total of 3,500 individuals. “We hope to continue organising more events to allow the seniors to relive joyful memories of
yum cha, experience the happiness that comes with food and drink, and encourage society as a whole to care for and build an inclusive community for the elderly.”
- END -
Press photos:
Photo 1:
Towngas has participated in three of the Sensory Restaurant on Wheels™ events, where TVST paid visits to elderly care homes, assuming the roles of dim sum restaurant waiters and providing the elderly with an opportunity to relive the pleasure of
yum cha.
Photo 2:
A volunteer wheels a vintage trolley to offer delectable dim sum to the elderly, evoking the charm of an old-fashioned dim sum restaurant.
Photo 3:
Volunteers prepare dim sum right on the spot, filling the surroundings with an enticing aroma that stimulates the elderly’s sense of smell and enhances their appetite.
Photos 4 & 5:
The seniors are happy to immerse themselves in an authentic
yum cha experience, evoking cherished memories of having meals at traditional dim sum restaurants.
Photo 6:
During the event, oldies from the 1960s and 1970s are played, and the volunteers lead everyone in singing and dancing. The elderly participants also join in and follow the beat, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.
Photos 7 & 8:
In order to cater for the needs of the elderly with swallowing difficulties, the event offers specially designed soft meal options in the shape of dim sum, ensuring that they can also partake in the pleasures of
yum cha.
For media enquiries, please contact:
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited
Mr Addie Lam
Assistant General Manager –
Corporate Affairs
Tel: 2963 2578 / 6702 6449
Email:
addie.lam@towngas.com |
Ms Kara Kwong
Senior Corporate Communications Officer
Tel: 2963 3497 / 6698 3357
Email:
kara.kwong@towngas.com |