Volunteer⁤ Scissor Team Brings Joy to Elderly Residents with Free Haircuts

The lobby of the Lok Fu​ Nursing⁣ Home was transformed into a barber shop⁢ for a​ day, ‍where MTR’s⁣ “Railway People” volunteer scissor team provided free haircuts ‍to elderly residents.

More than 40 elderly people enjoyed music in the lobby while volunteers worked⁢ their magic with scissors and combs. Grandma Zhen, in her⁣ 80s, gave a thumbs-up to the camera, saying, “The gesture of ⁢volunteer hair cutting is so good.”

Founding the Volunteer Scissor Team

Sandra, a retired MTR employee and ‍founder of​ the charity team, has been visiting nursing homes ⁢for years. Noticing that many elderly people didn’t cut their hair⁣ regularly, she ⁣decided to start a volunteer haircutting team in 2018. The team consists of MTR ⁤employees, ⁣retired employees,⁢ and their family members. ‍With 9 active members, they provide charity services to⁢ over‌ 10 organizations or homes every month.

Intensive but Rewarding Work

The volunteer ‌scissor team works ‍intensively, with​ 6 members cutting ⁣the hair of ‍over 40⁤ residents in about 4 hours. Sandra emphasized that despite the tight schedule, they‌ prioritize communication with the elderly and strive to meet their hair-cutting requirements.

Listening and Relieving ​Stress

MTR employee Kam joined ⁣the charity scissors ‍team⁢ in ​2018. She shared that her mother-in-law, who​ had ‌lost her ‌hair due to cancer treatment, once asked her to ‌cut her ⁢hair. Kam realized that her mother-in-law only wanted to communicate and find listeners. She believes​ that haircutting is a “very personal and considerate” service, allowing the elderly to feel cared for.

Positive Impact on Elderly Residents

Jian Huiyun, a welfare worker at Lok Fu‍ Nursing Home, observed that the⁤ free haircut team’s efforts⁢ have a⁢ significant ‌impact on the elderly residents. Many are satisfied with their new hairstyles and share photos with their children overseas. Dean Xie ⁤Xuehong praised the scissor team for taking the time ‌to understand the elderly’s ideas and comply‍ with their appearance requirements.

Photos and Smiles

The⁢ free haircut team often takes before-and-after photos for the elderly, which brings joy and satisfaction. With about 90% of residents willing to receive free haircuts, the team’s efforts are ​truly ​appreciated.