Miss Tan Beh Bee, a clerical officer with the Chinese Library, has been awarded a Long Service Award in recognition of 10 years of invaluable voluntary service to the Ministry of Community Development.
She started participating in the Ministry's Befriender Service as she was interested in learning to make handicrafts from the people who were teaching the senior citizens at Tiong Bahru. From assisting at Tiong Bahru, Beh Bee subsequently started teaching other senior citizens at Mei Ling Street. There she coached other volunteers and passed on the skills she learnt. Currently, she is a Befriender at Tanglin Halt.
During the handicraft sessions, Beh Bee and the other volunteers would find out from these senior citizens what other areas was help needed. When they were sick she would take leave from work to bring them to see the doctor or visit them at home to help them with their housework. Other activities, like outings to various places of interest and celebrations of major festivals, were organised by the Befrienders for these senior citizens, who are mostly on social welfare and usually living alone.
The NUS Library would like to commend Tan Beh Bee for her community spirit and dedication.