When 140 Volunteers Came Together for Seniors
Designing a First Encounter that Changes Behaviour
When an organisation approached us to organise a meaningful team-bonding session for 140 volunteers at a nursing home, our first response was simple: yes, it is possible.
But this was not just about scale. The leader shared that most colleagues had never visited a nursing home before. That became our compass. We wanted more than a CSR activity. We set out to create a guided experience that shifts mindsets, reshapes perceptions, and nudges lasting behavioural change. Our hope is that volunteers leave encouraged and confident to continue volunteering on their own, and to share their stories with friends and family, becoming advocates who inspire others who may never have volunteered before.
Planning for People, Not Just Numbers
From the first conversation, Little Changemakers planned months in advance. We scouted several nursing homes that could host a group this size, considering space, safety, and the seniors’ needs. Together with the nursing home, we spent four months doing site recces, understanding senior profiles, and refining logistics.
We also ran pre-event walkthroughs with the CSR team to align goals and expectations. A successful day does not happen by chance; it comes from careful preparation and a shared understanding of what we want to achieve.
The Day It All Happened
Managing more than 140 volunteers across six levels was no small feat. Each volunteer was paired with a senior, most of whom were in wheelchairs. To ensure meaningful engagement, we prepared two core activities:
Mugwort seat pillows: handcrafted with volunteers, offering comfort and gentle therapeutic benefits.
Herbal sachets: customised with herbs chosen by both seniors and volunteers, a fragrant keepsake to freshen cabinets and spark conversations at home.
For seniors who preferred not to handle herbs due to sensory sensitivities, we offered conversation-based activities and card games we designed, available free on The Oldyssey. Very quickly, the home filled with the lively aroma of herbs and, more importantly, with the buzz of conversations, laughter, and discovery.
Breaking the Ice
At first, many volunteers felt unsure about how to approach a frail senior they had just met. We provided practical suggestions and simple prompts. Within minutes, the atmosphere shifted. A once-quiet space turned vibrant, with chatter, busy hands, and warm smiles everywhere.
Some seniors enjoyed crafting, while others simply wanted to talk. Both count. Volunteers supported one another with translation when needed. As we reminded everyone, sometimes the most meaningful gift is to listen, to be present, and to share a smile. For seniors who may not have left the home in a long time, meeting a new face can be a spark from the outside world.
Reflection, Then Behaviour Change
On the lift ride to the top floor, we invited volunteers to notice their thoughts before starting, and to revisit those feelings after. Many later shared that it was an eye-opening experience.
Some picked up new skills like sewing. Others learned how to connect with seniors who could not communicate easily. When the one hour ended, many chose to stay and make extra pillows for seniors who could not join in. Although only about one-third of residents could participate directly, the ripple effect travelled far beyond the craft tables.
Most importantly, we saw the beginnings of a mindset shift: volunteers saying, “I can do this again.” That is our goal: to turn a single day into ongoing action. We want volunteers to feel equipped and encouraged to keep showing up, to tell others about their experience, and to be the reason someone else takes their first step into volunteering.
More Than Team Bonding
At its heart, this was not just a day of volunteer work. It was team bonding rooted in empathy, creativity, and shared humanity. The volunteers did not just work together as colleagues; they connected as people, both with each other and with the seniors they served.
Enjoying the fresh aroma of her sachet
This is the essence of what we believe at Little Changemakers: when communities come together with heart and guidance, small actions can create lasting change.
