#HeartWork: Shon Chaudhuri

Since 2015, Mr Shon Chaudhuri has been devoted to uplifting the lives of persons living with dementia, generously contributing both time and resources as a volunteer and donor at Dementia Singapore. His commitment to the cause is driven by a deep-rooted belief that the elderly deserve as much care and attention as children, yet are often overlooked.

Through his active involvement in various volunteer roles and programs, Shon has forged cherished connections – not only with the community he supports, but also with fellow volunteers and the dedicated staff at Dementia Singapore.

A deepened commitment

Shon leading a cake workshop for persons with dementia at New Horizon Centre (Tampines).

It all began with a simple intention: to make regular monetary donations to a charity of Shon’s choice. To ensure his contributions made a meaningful impact, Shon diligently researched various charities and their financial information, which set him on the path to discovering Dementia Singapore, then known as Alzheimer’s Disease Association.

This newfound commitment evolved into something much more profound when Shon began volunteering with the Weekend Extension Programme at Dementia Singapore’s care centres. Alongside a team of fellow volunteers, Shon helped bring the programme to life by running engaging activities for clients (persons living with dementia) on Saturdays while their caregivers attended to personal errands and other commitments.

“Spending time with the clients made me form some really deep bonds and that’s what I cherish. I know the stories they tell me inside out, because those were the stories I heard every time,” Shon mused, reflecting on his volunteering experience.

Beyond the Weekend Extension Programme, Shon furthered his dedication to the cause by volunteering across other roles and programmes, such as assisting with events and outreach efforts, and participating in Memories Café sessions, where he engages persons living with dementia and their caregivers in music and movement activities in a normalised café or restaurant setting. His rich experience and commitment naturally led him to become a Community Volunteer Leader, guiding and inspiring others in their journeys of service.

A vision for bigger change

Shon (second from right) dancing to oldies with a person with dementia at a Memories Café session.

On top of inspiring others, Shon plans to elevate his contributions even further as a Community Volunteer Leader with Dementia Singapore. For one, he aims to collaborate with programme leads to explore how he can support in expanding the programme reach, casting a wider net to ensure more persons living with dementia and their caregivers can benefit from the service.

Shon (left) with the Volunteer Managers from Dementia Singapore

In line with the Volunteer Management team’s efforts to build meaningful partnerships with corporates, Shon is eager to leverage his 20-over years of corporate experience to inspire more companies to take the first step in supporting the dementia community. As a Sales Director and speaker at events across Asia, he also hopes to use his public speaking skills to share powerful stories from his volunteering experience – ones that will resonate deeply with audiences. Through these anecdotes, Shon hopes to ignite a collective commitment to the dementia cause, encouraging others to join him in making a lasting impact.

“My personal story of being associated with Dementia Singapore for many years is a testament to the strong bond that the Volunteer Management Team at Dementia Singapore has created with its volunteers. The sense of kinship, trust, and respect that the Volunteer Management team has fostered has helped me grow as a volunteer and contribute to a cause I find value in,” Shon shared.

From misconceptions to inspiration

Shon (centre) alongside fellow volunteers at a community roadshow event in Punggol in 2019.

Shon’s volunteering journey with Dementia Singapore highlights the meaningful exchange between volunteers and the Volunteer Management team. Through his involvement, he has gained a deeper understanding of dementia, thanks to the training workshops conducted by the team.

“To be honest, I had no knowledge of dementia before I joined Dementia Singapore. My initial perception of every person living with dementia was that I was a little scared of approaching them because I did not know how they might react or if they would engage with me at all. So, I had a lot of misconceptions about dementia. But of course, training helped,” Shon shared.

He also appreciates the frequent check-ins by the Volunteer Management team. Their respect and support have fuelled his desire to contribute even more. This positive experience not only reinforces his commitment but also motivates him to encourage others to support the dementia community.

“The older generation that took care of us – they need to be taken care of too. So, give back, complete that cycle, and you will feel happier,” he added, underscoring the fulfilment he finds in making a difference.

Mr Shon Chaudhuri's journey with Dementia Singapore exemplifies the transformative power of volunteerism. From donor to Community Volunteer Leader, his story demonstrates how one person's commitment can foster a more supportive community for those affected by dementia, embodying his belief that in giving back, we complete a cycle of care and find true happiness.

Are you looking to make an impact through volunteering? Check out our Volunteer Resource Hub for useful links to help you in your volunteering journey.