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.