Meet Uncle Kok How, our 82-year-old volunteer at Goodlife Makan for over a decade. Following the loss of his wife, he found community with Goodlife Makan and has been a cherished volunteer ever since.
Once a cake shop owner, Uncle Kok How now warmly shares his baking skills in the fortnightly What’s Up in the Kitchen programme.
Every two weeks, Uncle Kok How shares his love for baking and cooking with fellow seniors. Though baking is his specialty, he embraced cooking as a new challenge, learning recipes from YouTube to bring fresh and delicious dishes to each session.
For Uncle Kok How, volunteering is about more than teaching—it’s about connection. “It’s important to build relationships, understand others through conversations, and accept them as they are,” he shares.
“Teaching is perfect for me now,” Uncle Kok How shares. “I’ve done many types of volunteering before, including home visits, but with age, it’s become harder. This programme lets me share my skills and still learn something new each time.”
Volunteering has its challenges, like limited resources and tight schedules, but Uncle Kok How takes them in stride. “We just do our best to complete what we set out to teach!”
Uncle Kok How’s volunteer appreciation certificates through the years.
Uncle Kok How believes volunteering is a two-way street: “You learn a lot, hear new things, and gain insights from professionals. If you have time and patience, volunteering is for you.”
Through his journey, Uncle Kok How has not only shared his skills but also discovered the joy of lifelong learning and the value of community.
His story is a testament to how volunteering can transform not just others but yourself, one small act at a time.
Today, we celebrate Uncle Kok How and his heart for giving!
If you’re inspired by his story, reach out to us today at hello@montfortcare.org.sg to find out more about the many volunteering opportunities available.
