Seniors from Goodlife Studio (Bukit Purmei), an Active Ageing Centre (AAC) by Montfort Care, today garnered an award in the Singapore Book of Records for the “Largest Display of Crocheted National Flags”, after crocheting 188 Singapore flags as part of the centre’s National Day celebrations. Member of Parliament for Radin Mas, Mr Melvin Yong, and Founder | Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Montfort Care, Mr Samuel Ng, BBM, attended the award ceremony, along with volunteers and members of the community.
The flags were crocheted by female seniors who attend the centre’s weekly Crochet for Beginners and Intermediates programme. In addition to the flags, male seniors who attend the centre’s carpentry workshop, collaborated with youth volunteers to craft a backdrop for the display.
The final artwork, a collaboration between male and female seniors in the community, formed an “SG59”, to commemorate Singapore’s 59th birthday. Nearly 60 residents from the community across all ages participated in this project, reinforcing bonds across generations and highlighting our shared national values of diversity, inclusivity, community and trust.
The final two flags were placed by Member of Parliament for Radin Mas SMC Mr Melvin Yong, as well as Founder | CEO of Montfort Care, Mr Samuel Ng, BBM, to complete the display during the Singapore Book of Records award ceremony. The project was inspired by the desire to give the elderly residents of Bukit Purmei an opportunity to showcase their patriotism through their own handiwork, fostering a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.
The final display consists of 188 crocheted flags. Each letter measures 2 metres high by 1 metre wide, with the whole display measuring 2 metres high by 4 metres wide.
Other festivities at the event included writing wishes for the nation, singing National Day songs, and trivia games that celebrated Singapore’s rich history.
The flag display will be also be showcased during the People’s Association National Day Observance Ceremony at Radin Mas Community Centre on 9 August 2024. Subsequently, the flags will be repurposed by the local community into pencil cases for Children’s Day.
Founder | CEO of Montfort Care, Mr Samuel Ng, BBM, said “We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to empower our seniors to remain active, engaged, and valued members of our community. This project not only allows them to showcase their talents and creativity but also reinforces their sense of purpose and connection to our nation. It’s heartening to witness how these activities enable our seniors to continue making meaningful contributions to their community and nation.”
Our project was also featured on the first page of The Straits Times on 30 July 2024.
Member of Parliament for Radin Mas SMC, Mr Melvin Yong, shared about the milestone event on his Facebook page too.
Montfort Care is committed to improving the overall well-being of our seniors as well as elevating perceptions of ageing. Our work remains a part of wider national initiatives like Age Well SG that aim to help seniors age actively, stay socially connected, and be cared for within their communities.
Beyond the conventional activities offered at most Active Ageing centres, Goodlife Studio offers a unique theme at each centre, including a Tea Bar, Carpentry Studio, Digital Media Studio, Bike Kitchen, Community Arts Theatre, located at Bedok, Bukit Purmei, Tiong Bahru, Yishun Riverwalk, Telok Blangah Towers respectively. The future-ready AACs are intended to appeal to young seniors with diverse interests and encourage them to continue to stay active and contribute meaningfully to the community.
If you’re interested in collaborating with Montfort Care to make a positive impact in the lives of our seniors, feel free to reach out to us at goodlifestudio@montfortcare.org.sg – we’d be happy to hear from you!
