Once a wedding photographer for nearly 20 years, Leonard’s career was disrupted by the wave of digitalisation, leaving him lost and struggling with depression. In 2014, he travelled to India for a retreat in Rishikesh, where a simple and disciplined life helped him rediscover himself.
After returning to Singapore, he picked up tailoring, began volunteering, and eventually found his calling. In 2018, he joined Brahm Centre full-time as a Care Coordinator, supporting seniors through exercises, home visits, KTV sessions, neighbourhood walks, and short trips. “Our aim is simple — to help seniors stay active and happy.”
Leonard recalls an elderly man he once met in a wheelchair 4-5 years ago who never responded to greetings. Over time, the man opened up and joined AAC activities. Now, at 87, he walks independently without a wheelchair.
“Being a case worker will not make you wealthy,” Leonard says. “But with passion and heart, helping seniors live well in the second half of their lives brings fulfillment and inner richness.”
慈善机构百仁中心现任关怀协调员徐显潭性格开朗，殊不知他的人生几经转折。曾扛着相机做了近20年的婚礼摄影，终究抵不过行业数码化的浪潮，他因无所适从而掉队，一度患上抑郁症。
“当时是最困难时期，需要美图加工等，又得改用更昂贵的器材，不像现在有科技辅助。当时自然而然被淘汰，前途一片迷茫。”
2014年，徐显潭远赴印度找寻自我，在北部城市瑞诗凯诗（Rishikesh）一所修道院静修半年。早晨听诵经，偶尔教孩童念书，生活简单规律。
回返新加坡后，他报名裁缝课程，最终顺利就职。闲暇时，他到各机构做义工，就此找到热忱，2018年加入百仁中心全职服务。
徐显潭说，义工的任务主要是带年长者做体操、上门探访独居年长者，有时陪他们唱卡拉OK，或者到邻里观光或出国短途旅行。“新加坡已经步入老龄化社会，我们的初衷很简单，就是想用各种方法，让年长者保持活跃开心。”
他忆述，四五年前曾在组屋地面层碰到一名坐轮椅的老伯。虽然他身旁有个女佣，但两人之间几乎零交流。“我每次路过都会跟他打招呼，他却一直没理我。直到有一天，他终于开口回应了，这才打开了话匣子。”
原来，老伯丧偶，孩子工作忙碌。徐显潭便介绍老伯到活跃乐龄中心一同练体操。老伯如今已87岁，反而不再需要轮椅就能自主走动，这是多年来坚持活动的成果。
徐显潭豁达地说，当义工是不会发达的，没经验可以慢慢学，最重要是有热忱。帮助年长者过好人生下半场，令他觉得生活踏实、内心富足。
