Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Transport of Singapore, Baey Yam Keng, took to his Facebook page to share a disheartening story of how an uncle had scolded an elderly woman who had provided him with a free haircut as part of a community programme, simply because he was unhappy with how the haircut turned out.
Baey wrote, “During our monthly Free Haircut service on 24 November (Sunday), this uncle came to have his hair cut. He was not a familiar face at this event but we welcome everyone who needs a trim. He is one of the 57 who were served by 8 volunteer hairdressers from 2.45pm to 5.10pm that afternoon.”
“After his haircut, he was unhappy that his sides were not balanced and told our volunteer in charge that the haircut was ugly. He made a scene, saying that we were not doing a good job and that as organisers, we should have scrutinised our hairdressers. He went on to confront Aunty Jenny who cut his hair for him, saying that she should retire and not give such lousy service.”
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you!
Baey himself was not present at the community programme as he was on an official trip. However, the others present defended Aunty Jenny and told off the unhappy man.
“Eventually, my volunteer in charge got another hairdresser to trim his hair again,” he said.
With the belief that such community programmes are important, Baey went on to urge the public to be more respectful of those volunteering their time to serve the community.
“We started this monthly community service project in 2014. Every month, 5 to 10 volunteer hairdressers would turn up to cut hair for an average of 50 to 60 residents. Currently, our pool of regular hairdressers stands at about 15 and Aunty Jenny is one of the pioneers who started from the beginning,”
“At 82 years old, she is a strong believer in giving back and a very regular volunteer. She would usually bring along some homemade snacks to share with the volunteers. I hope residents and those who come for the free haircut (and nail trimming) respect our volunteers who spent their Sunday afternoons away from their families and work to help the community,” he explained.
Baey also added that, while not all of the volunteers are professional hairdressers, all of them have the basic skills and experience to cut hair. And most importantly, all of them have the heart to serve their community.
“They may not give the most ideal haircut based on one’s expectations but so far, no resident has complained over the last 10 years,”
“If you are not confident or uncomfortable with the expertise or quality of service, do not come and queue up for the free service. Do not berate my volunteers. I have asked my volunteer in charge to turn away people who do not respect the volunteers,” he added.
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