Victor Cheong, 79
Volunteer, St Luke’s Hospital
As I age, I still want to give back to society and spread joy to others
Picking up paper quilling at the age of 67, Mr Victor Cheong walked the walk and talked the talk by demonstrating his mantra in life – “Never stop learning, and never stop teaching.” The 79-year-old now volunteers at St Luke’s Hospital as a paper-quilling enthusiast, teaching patients the know-hows on the exquisite craft.
Serving as a volunteering duo at St Luke’s Hospital since COVID-19, both Victor and his wife, Mrs Doris, are very popular amongst the patients. Each time they volunteer for paper quilling sessions, patients from different wards and walks of life would often share their stories and craftwork at the communal table.
Victor added, “The best part about volunteering is that the patients have something to bring back home – be it a bookmark, or a souvenir. Every word of thanks from the patients has encouraged and motivated my wife and I to continue volunteering.”
He loves teaching and sharing his skills with others, which in turn, creates space for him to learn new skillsets. “I never believed in retiring. Even till now, I never thought of throwing in the towel. I will keep on finding things to do that bring me immense joy,” said Victor.
Beyond volunteering at the hospital, Victor and Doris continue to make a difference within the community and at home through their shared passion for paper quilling. With Doris as the creative mind and Uncle Victor as the skilled hands, they spend their free time together crafting intricate paper quilling pieces and gifting them as tokens of appreciation for other grassroot leaders and volunteers in the community.
