Zhong Jilin, who is in her 90s and lives alone in the Jiangsu Road residential community in Changning District, desperately wanted a radio to help her pass the time and make up for the lack of human contact in her life.
"I have difficulty getting outside and walking here and there, and my eyesight is poor. If I have a radio, I can listen to news or other things to alleviate my loneliness."
Zhong, who is childless, has had her hope realized.
A charity program that aims to make seniors' wishes come true with the help of white-collar workers who are willing to help has been launched in Changning District, and the project is expected to be rolled out in other residential complexes in Jing'an and Xuhui districts.
The program targets needy seniors who are ill or live alone. After neighborhood committee officials find out what the seniors are hoping for, they post the information online, and white-collar workers can apply to fulfil their hope via an online platform, officials said yesterday.
When the program was launched, the hopes of 10 seniors aged at least 90 years old in Jiangsu Road residential community were identified. They ranged from a blood glucose meter and a waterproof bedsheet to an oven, an electric cooker and, in one case, just an opportunity to chat with another person.
Within an hour, white-collar netizens took it upon themselves to fulfil their wishes.
Fei Yunhua, a Shanghainese designer in Xuhui District, decided to get Zhong the radio she had been hoping for.
"The radio is not expensive, but I hope it can add some color and fun to auntie Zhong's life and provide her with company every day!" Fei said.
"I hope you will feel happy after receiving the radio. If it is broken, don't worry because I will buy a new one for you." Fei wrote on the online platform.
Sun Shifeng, a 98-year-old needy senior, wished for a close stool designed for the elderly.
"The close stool I use now is too high," she said.
The program was initiated by senior care workers at Shanghai Care Link, a senior care service provider that operates the city's first daycare center for seniors with physical disabilities or suffering from dementia.
"I noticed that needy seniors have various small needs during my visits to their homes," said Wang Xiaoge, a senior care worker. "These wishes are small, and it is good that there is a scheme to help them."
