Protecting the Environment
A nature of caring
November 2012
In a first-of-its-kind initiative supported by Keppel Care Foundation, Keppel Volunteers teamed up with Queenstown Primary School to bring nature to the doorstep of elderly residents from St Theresa’s Home.
Known simply as ‘Nature Cares’, the wellness programme, run by Garden City Fund under the National Parks Board (NParks), aims to encourage elderly folks to venture out of the confines of their rooms to enjoy fresh air, friendly company and the healing properties of nature.
‘Nature Cares’ is the only integrated programme in Singapore that plans sustainable, nature-based activities for school children to partner working adult volunteers and spend quality time with the needy and underprivileged.
The programme was officially launched at St Theresa’s Home on 30 October 2012 by the President of the Republic of Singapore, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, who graced the event as its Guest-of-Honour.
President Tan, along with Mr Chee Jin Kiong, CEO of Keppel Care Foundation, and representatives from NParks, Garden City Fund, Catholic Welfare Services and Queenstown Primary School, launched the initiative with the ceremonial misting of an attractive arrangement of airplants on driftwood.
The plant arrangement will be the first installation in an easy-to-maintain garden built in the grounds of the Home, to be enjoyed and cared for primarily by its residents. Airplants are known for their hardiness and require only a light misting of water two to three times a week.
Six nature-based interactive outdoor sessions with the elderly folks from St Theresa’s Home involving Keppel Volunteers and students from Queenstown Primary School will take place over the course of 2013.