The Strength of Our Seniors: Stories of Giving and Guiding
Partnering with SPD at the recent Eco Festival at Tampines West CC, the scent of herbs filled the air as participants gathered around our booth. We were not there to make pretty crafts. We were there to create something purposeful. Together, we upcycled cotton fabric into beautiful covers for herbal eye heat packs, designed to ease eye fatigue from schoolwork, phones, and TV. We craft for wellness, not just decoration.
Among our co-facilitators was an 85-year-old lady with an inspiring story. She has spent years sewing tote bags to raise funds for her church’s missions. When invited to guide others at the festival, she eagerly agreed and travelled 45 minutes by bus to join us. Together with our team of co-facilitators, we proudly served over 100 participants in just three hours.
The sweet lady in pink, our 85-year-old co-facilitator, became the heart of the event—guiding, sharing, and inspiring everyone she met.
What unfolded was more than a workshop. Around the sewing tables, seniors connected with strangers, sharing stories of family, health, and resilience. Hands stitched fabric while hearts opened in conversation. A teenager learned to sew from a senior. New friendships began with a simple question, “Can you show me how?” These moments remind us that a crafting activity at a community event is never just about the craft itself. It is about community, conversations, and connection.
Happy seniors sewing and connecting with new friends.
The herbal eye packs became more than wellness tools. They symbolised sustainability through upcycling, empowerment through senior leadership, and connection through shared experience.
Teenager learning to sew from a senior.
At Little Changemakers, this is what we stand for. We design every solution with purpose, because design has the power to change mindsets and behaviours. By placing seniors at the heart of our activities, we shift how they are seen: from passive participants to leaders and guides. When seniors lead, they bring wisdom, warmth, and resilience that transform the way communities connect.
