‘It made my heart hurt’: 82-year-old volunteer who was scolded over free haircut in Tampines

While she was initially reluctant to talk about the incident, Ms Yang later told CNA that his words had cut deep. 

“I was so sad and it really made my heart hurt when he said that to me,” she said. 

“When the news came out later, I received a lot of messages and calls from my friends asking me what happened. I was just really sad … even as I think about it now, it makes me feel a little bit like crying,” she said, as her voice quivered. 

“But I received a lot of comfort from people around me.” 

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY 

Volunteers of the monthly free haircut project that CNA spoke to said that such incidents are rare, adding that most participants are generally very appreciative and kind towards volunteers. 

“I have heard of some participants at other community projects who get angry at volunteers over a haircut. For example, there was one who hurled vulgarities at a volunteer because the clippers grazed her a bit,” said Mr Melvin Har, who volunteers as a hairdresser at several community-organised events. 

“It doesn’t happen a lot but it does happen sometimes. But usually, the participants are very nice and some will bring food for us to show their appreciation.”

Ms Jamie Neo, who has been volunteering at the Tampines project since 2022, said it was the first time she had seen such an incident.

“It was quite upsetting to see that happen. I felt very sad for Aunty Jenny, who has been a volunteer for so long, because the man’s words were very hurtful,” said the 49-year-old, who provides free nail grooming for elderly residents at the monthly session.

But these volunteers said they are determined not to let such negative experiences deter them from giving back to the community. 

“At the end of the day, I am volunteering because I want to help those in need and give back to my community,” said Ms Neo, who started volunteering as a nail technician two years ago after her battle with ovarian cancer. 

The 49-year-old reached out to Mr Baey two years ago, shortly after finishing her chemotherapy treatment, to offer her services for the programme.