Sewing with a cause

What do you do when you are exceptionally skilled with needlework?

This group of aunties at the LB AAC @Tampines 494E gets together to sew a myriad of merchandise to be sold, and the proceeds are channeled to the AAC.

It was surprising to see them volunteering to raise funds for the AAC instead of profiting from their strenuous work which comes with long hours!

Their group’s unofficial leader Kaiyati Ahmad, 66, who has been with the AAC since its inception, said the group felt proud to be able to contribute to the AAC in their own way.

“The AAC staff are always open to our ideas and are easy to talk to. Once, I was at the AAC when someone came and donated a huge pile of discarded fabrics from a curtain textile company.

“I suggested to the staff that I could make bags, purses, and other handicrafts out of the fabric. The centre didn’t have any sewing machines at the time, so I called up my friends who do, and got them in the project as well,” said Kaiyati.

AAC Friends to the Rescue!

Her friends from the AAC did not disappoint her.

To make Kaiyati’s vision come through, three of them brought down their sewing machines to participate in the project, come what may!

“I was further motivated by their enthusiasm, and called up more of my friends to help us out. Those who can knit, sew by hand, crochet, and the likes, I recruited them immediately to join my project as well!” exclaimed Kaiyati.

The youngest of the group, Zarinah Baharom, 59, or known as Zaza at the AAC, chimed in stating that she took pride in sewing items that challenged her skills.

“I started making unique handbags from watching YouTube videos for inspiration. I remember it was around the Chinese New Year celebration and I made many handbags with that theme in mind,” said Zaza adding that the fundraising activity brought her immense satisfaction.

Upon retiring from the apparels department at the airport, Zaza has had a keen interest in volunteering but did not know where to start.

Family Away from Home…

“Meeting Kaiyati and everyone at this AAC was truly a blessing as I feel I have found my calling. I bonded with everyone here, learnt many things from them, and I feel like I have a family now outside of my home.

“Never knew this small action of mine led me to gain all these priceless memories which I truly treasure,” said Zaza who is now proudly contributing to the centre and community with her handiwork.

The AAC, impressed with these senior volunteers’ grit and hard work to produce handiwork for the AAC’s fundraising activities, bought three sewing machines to motivate them further!

Asmah Talib, 66, said those new sewing machines boosted the senior volunteers who have no experience in sewing, to try it out too.

“They even organised sewing classes where we were taught to upcycle banners to make bags and other handicrafts, among others. It was tough but we were all so proud that we could make beautiful items out of it, and even brought out our creativity to play!” said Asmah, adding that volunteering at the AAC came as a second nature for her since she loves spending time there.

Doing Everything Together…

Asmah said she and her friends would be there for all the events and activities, and anything that needs to be done at the AAC or for their fellow seniors, they do it together.

“We are enthusiastic about all these until the AAC staff would sometimes advice us not to work on all the projects worrying we’d get tired.

“However, we feel good doing it and only take a break if we have other personal commitments,” added Asmah, encouraging all seniors in the vicinity to join the AAC and start volunteering.

She said that this uplifting experience is one that is truly refreshing and to give it a try.

“Please don’t isolate yourselves at home, come down to the AAC once and try volunteering. You might find either a truly enriching experience, a nice group of friends, or both!” said Asmah.

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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