Coming Full Circle: From Young Volunteer to Senior Hero

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Coming Full Circle: From Young Volunteer to Senior Hero

April 16, 2025

From a young volunteer in the 1980s to a guiding light for seniors today, Mr. Lim Beng Hong’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of service and connection. After a successful corporate career and years of caregiving for his wife, Mr. Lim rediscovered his passion for volunteering at Lions Befrienders Active Aging Centre. Now, he spends his days playing games, volunteering and sharing stories with seniors, proving that true fulfillment comes from giving back.

Coming Full Circle: The Inspiring Story of Mr. Lim Beng Hong

Picture this: A young man in his 20s, full of energy and ambition, steps into a community centre for the first time. He’s there to volunteer, not because he has to, but because he wants to. Fast forward to four decades later, that same man, now retired and wiser, finds himself back in a community centre – this time as a volunteer at the Lions Befrienders Active Aging Centre at Tampines 494E. This is the story of Mr. Lim Beng Hong, a man whose life has come full circle through a lifelong commitment to service.

The Seeds of Service: A Young Volunteer’s Journey

Mr. Lim’s journey of giving back began in the late 1980s when he joined the People’s Association Youth Movement. As a young man, he was already deeply involved in community work, organising activities for youngsters and seniors alike. “I’ve always enjoyed organising activities,” he recalled, “and bringing people together.”

It was during this time that he first encountered Lions Befrienders as part of his activities, Mr. Lim visited one of their centres on Mei Ling Road. “We organised activities for the seniors, played games with them, and gave out goodies,” he shared. “I remember how happy they were – it left a lasting impression on me.”

The High-Flying Years: Success and Sacrifice

Life, however, had other plans. Mr. Lim’s career took off, and he became a high achiever in the corporate world, serving as the Director of Operations at ST Engineering. Beyond his professional success, he also took on the role of Chairman of his company’s Staff Welfare Committee, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being and support of his colleagues. In addition to planning and organising activities for staff, the company also adopted an Old Folks’ Home, making biannual visits where employees brought essential items and spent time engaging with the seniors. Much as he enjoyed his work and his role in the welfare committee, the demands and stress were relentless, leaving little room for anything else. Yet, even during those busy years, the seeds of service planted in his youth never left him.

Then came the turning point. His wife fell ill, requiring surgeries and years of treatment. Without hesitation, Mr. Lim retired early to become her full-time caregiver. “Family comes first,” he says simply. He dedicated himself to her recovery, juggling hospital visits, medications, housework, and the emotional toll of seeing someone he loved suffer.

A New Chapter: Rediscovering Purpose

When his wife recovered, Mr. Lim found himself reflecting. He had saved enough money to live comfortably and travel, but something was missing. “I’m considered a very fortunate person. I have a good family, a good job, and so on. So, if you have such a good life when you are young, I think it’s good to give back to society. Somehow, you need to pay back to society,” he shared.

That’s when Lions Befrienders re-entered his life – this time as a volunteer. It felt like coming home. “I had volunteered with them decades ago, and now here I am again,” he smiled.

The Full Circle: A Lifetime of Giving Back

Mr. Lim didn’t just dip his toes into volunteering – he dove in headfirst. Drawing on his decades of experience in leadership, he became an integral part of the Lions Befrienders community. Having managed teams in his professional career, he knew how to bring people together, make them feel valued, and foster a sense of belonging. He took this a step further with the seniors, always encouraging and validating them, ensuring they felt seen, valued, and engaged in life.

Unexpectedly, he even learned how to play mahjong – a game he had never played before. “There was this 98-year-old auntie (oops, not auntie, her name is Julie) who taught me how to play,” he recalled. “She was so patient with me, even though I was terrible at first. Now, we play every week!” he said with a smile.

For Mr. Lim, volunteering became an opportunity to put his skills and experience to meaningful use. “It’s fulfilling to see how the things I’ve learned over the decades can benefit others,” he reflected.

The Joy of Connection

For Mr. Lim, volunteering isn’t just about helping others – it’s about finding joy in the little things. Whether it’s playing mahjong, organising activities, or simply listening to the seniors’ stories, he cherishes every moment. “When you’re talking to other people, you don’t think so much about your own problems. It helps to divert your focus and makes you feel relaxed and happy,” he explained.

One of his most cherished experiences involved a dementia patient who graduated from Raffles Institution and was once a lecturer. “He would tell me stories about his life, his family, and his career,” Mr. Lim shared. “Even though he couldn’t remember much, those moments of connection helped him recall that he had a good life.”

Mr. Lim’s good nature is apparent in the way he engages with the elderly. “You cannot force them to do things. Slowly, you guide them, make them happy. Once they’re happy, they’re able to think back, recall, and engage,” he said. “Once you raise your voice, they won’t reply; they get stressed and shut down. For those situations, we have to change the approach, we have to be very patient and kind.”

A Legacy of Love and Service

Mr. Lim’s journey is a powerful reminder that true fulfilment comes from giving, not accumulating. “I’ve been volunteering since I was young, and it has always brought me joy,” he reflects. “People who volunteer and exercise feel good and don’t get sick.”

This joy has become a legacy, inspiring those around him, including his son, who now volunteers too. “It’s heartwarming to see him enjoy volunteering” he said with pride.

Mr. Lim’s philosophy on life is simple yet profound: “I feel that people should not think too much. Everyone should have a happy life because we come to this world for a limited time. If you don’t enjoy your time and living, then after you die, everything is gone, so make full use of your life now.”

A Call to Action: Join the Circle

To people who have worked hard and achieved success, Mr. Lim has this to say, “No point you have all the money but you don’t enjoy life and feel empty. I think purpose is more important than money

Like Mr. Lim, through Lions Befrienders, you too can find purpose, connection, and joy. Whether it’s playing games, talking to seniors, or simply sharing a meal, every act of kindness makes a difference.

Don’t hesitate, step into the world of volunteering and discover the incredible impact you can have on the lives of others – and on your own.

Join us today, and let’s come full circle – just like Mr. Lim.

We hope that these stories would inspire you to reach out and touch the lives of others.

If you would like to share your thoughts on these stories, please feel free to email us at cp@lb.org.sg

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