The need for a good haircut often transcends language and culture – this is best exemplified by one of our dearest migrant brothers, SW!
A trained hairdresser back in China, SW came over to Singapore to become a construction worker, in an effort to better provide for his family. However, a workplace accident left him incapacitated with a spinal cord injury. He had been lifting rocks when he fell and hurt himself. Unable to do hard labour, SW had no income while nursing his injury. He had lived in Geylang for a while before hearing about Healthserve from a Chinese construction worker who had seen him walking around with crutches.
When he turned to HealthServe, he found comfort in a community that could empathise with him. HealthServe also provided him with free meals, MRT fare top-ups, assistance with his case, even bringing him on outings to Gardens by the Bay and the Zoo! In return, SW gave out free haircuts to staff and interns, his fellow migrant workers, and even offered his services to the elderly home next door to HealthServe, which was a much appreciated gesture!
SW’s story concluded sweetly when he eventually received his rightful compensation and left Singapore after 10 months with HealthServe. But of course, not before throwing a massive dumpling party for all the friends he made here!
