The Lunar New Year period always rings in a celebratory mood where family and friends gather to usher in a new year of prosperity and happiness. It was no different here at Singapore Children’s Society, where our staff geared up to celebrate the festive occasion with our beneficiaries to welcome the Year of the Rabbit.
Over at Sunbeam Place @ Children’s Society, we organised a gathering with all the residents, complete with decorations prepared by the residents, a traditional lohei and a Lunar New Year quiz.
Sunbeam Place residents to usher in the Lunar New Year
Over at our youth drop-in centre, RoundBox @ Children’s Society, a total of 17 youth and eight staff members came together for a hotpot to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
There was a reason for the hotpot idea, according to Annabel Toh, Counsellor at RoundBox.
“Staff had been wanting to gather the youths together for some time over a meal and felt that a hotpot ties in nicely for a Chinese New Year (CNY) gathering as the circular shape of the hotpot symbolises a reunion meal for all to eat and have fun together.
“We had been gathering for the hotpot meal every CNY but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we were unable to continue for three years. For this CNY, we wanted our newer members to enjoy the same experience,” explained Annabel.
Besides the festive feast, youth members also joined in for a game of kahoot!. The questions were centered around the concept and history of Lunar New Year, with prizes for the first three winners. Staff also took the opportunity to hand out red packets filled with chocolate coins to the youth, who in return wished them a happy Lunar New Year.
Just as many families resumed large gatherings this year for the Lunar New Year after years of pandemic restrictions, our staff and beneficiaries were overjoyed to come together to celebrate the joys of life and friendship.
For the year of the Water Rabbit, our Sunbeam Place resident Sam*, 16, hopes that “all the endeavours we face will be overcome with ease and peace. As time progresses, without a doubt there will be challenges new to our eyes but if we made it through 2022, I am certain that 2023 will run smoothly”.
May everyone have a successful and prosperous Year of the Rabbit ahead! Huat Ah!
*The name has been changed to protect the beneficiary’s identity
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