Beyond Treatment: Finding Connection, Sharing Care
Care is not only about meeting medical needs. By creating space for people to connect, share their experiences and feel supported, volunteers help bring the human side of care to life.
At Tzu-Chi Foundation (Singapore)’s annual Renal Friends Gathering on 30 August 2026, 46 people living with chronic kidney disease came together with their family members at the Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre. The gathering offered an opportunity to pause, learn and connect with others navigating similar experiences.
Our volunteers arrived bright and early to set up for the day. They kickstarted the gathering with a simple icebreaker that invited participants to reflect on gratitude and everyday joys. As balloons carrying positive affirmations were passed around the room, participants who had arrived as strangers began sharing their personal journeys.
One family member expressed gratitude to Tzu Chi volunteers for journeying with them through difficult times, a reminder of how essential human care and concern are in the community.
The interactive exhibition zones set up by our volunteers covered not only basic kidney care but also mental well-being, reflecting a focus on holistic well-being rather than physical health alone. Volunteer Lam Keng Chew shared, “We also set up a section for writing thank-you notes so everyone could share appreciation with loved ones. It serves as a gentle reminder that true wellness connects the physical body, a peaceful mind and a joyful soul. Taking care of yourself allows you to live with renewed hope every day.”
For the wider volunteering community, the gathering offers a simple reminder: meaningful care includes opportunities for people to be heard, recognise their own strengths and support one another. Volunteerism is not only about what we do for others, but also about the connections we nurture with them.
By bringing renal patients and families together, Tzu Chi Singapore creates space for care beyond treatment, allowing shared experiences to become a source of connection and gratitude. The gathering is also a recognition of our volunteers and their compassion in action.
Read the full story on Tzu Chi Singapore’s website: Renal Friends Gathering: Rediscovering Mindfulness in Life.