Canon Hong Kong Participated “Mobile Yum Cha” Service
with Elderlies for the First Time
“Yum Cha” is a Cantonese ritual of catching up with friends and families while savouring Chinese tea and dim sum. It is especially popular among the elderly, given that the shapes and tastes of dim sum vary, and the prolonged mealtime helps to relax and converse with loved ones. However, it can be a luxury for elderly people living in care homes because of their mobility and swallowing disabilities. Hence, Canon Hongkong Company Limited (Canon Hong Kong) partnered with The Hong Kong Women's Development Association and co-organized the “Mobile Yum Cha” service at Kai Yip Home for the Aged on 24 August. Through the delicious dim sum provided and interior decorations with the characteristics of a traditional teahouse, the elderlies enjoyed the authentic Yum Cha custom of "one cup, two pieces", where they can rarely experience in the care home.
Around 30 elderlies were being served by 20 volunteers from Canon Hong Kong Corporate Volunteer Team, who dressed up in red uniform and acted as “Yum Cha Ambassadors”. In order to provide an authentic experience, the volunteers turned the elderly home into a nostalgic teahouse. Alongside the oriental style backdrop, a classic teahouse setting was presented with red tablecloths and an array of Yum Cha utensils placed at each table to create a warm and lively atmosphere. Accompanied by freshly brewed tea, various kinds of dim sum were served, including the must-have Siu Mai, Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Turnip Cake, Mini Sticky Rice wrapped in Lotus Leaves and Steamed BBQ Pork Buns. All were carefully crafted for elderly people, especially some with weak swallowing abilities. The volunteers pushed a cart of hot dim sum served in bamboo steamers, resembling the iconic “old-school” dim sum trolley which is disappearing in most Yum Cha restaurants today.
Apart from the tea session, the volunteers also taught the elderlies simple and relaxing hand exercises. All the elderly friends immersed in the joyful singing performance and gave our volunteers a big applause. At the end of the event, gift bags with daily necessities were distributed to extend our blessings and support to the elderlies. Some elderly people were seen with emotions as it brought back their memories of good days, and they were truly grateful that the Mobile Yum Cha Service reminded them of the old times at Yum Cha restaurants.
Volunteers were seen busy setting up the traditional teahouse scene at the venue.
Volunteers carefully prepared the dim sum for the elderlies enjoyment.
Volunteers pushed a cart of hot dim sum walking around the tables to serve the elderly friends.
The elderlies immersed in the singing performance while enjoying the delicious dim sum.
