A Sanctuary of Calm & Connection at Reade
Just steps away from the bustling Overtoom, Serve The City volunteers bring eucalyptus scent, warm smiles, and a touch of comfort to rehabilitation patients.
Leaving behind the non-stop hustle of the busy Overtoom street and stepping into the Reade Rehabilitation Centre, you are instantly embraced by a completely different world. The refreshing scent of eucalyptus drifting through the air and the serene faces in the hallway signal that this is more than just a medical facility. It is the first Saturday of September, and just like every month, the warm-hearted volunteers from Serve The City have gathered to host their beloved Wellness Day for the center’s patients.
The menu curated for the participants offers a thoughtful touch of pampering: soothing face, hand, and foot masks, light shoulder massages to ease tension, and a choice of make-up and vibrant nail polishes to bring out bright smiles.
While everyone speaks in quiet, respectful tones, an unmistakable atmosphere of warmth and familiarity fills the room. Patients, family members, and volunteers chat effortless together. Many participants discovered the event through a simple poster in the elevator, while others joined after a friendly recommendation from a fellow resident—making their encounter in the wellness lounge even more uplifting.
For volunteer Gigi, these moments are what truly matter. Connecting deeply with people and learning their unique life stories is her main motivation for giving back. After offering a relaxing massage to a patient, she wanders through the room—meeting new faces, practicing her Dutch, and helping maintain the gentle flow of the room.
Her highlight of the day comes while chatting with Hanna. While receiving a face mask, Hanna enthusiastically shares his musical journey, showing Gigi videos of his keyboard and singing performances on his phone. In that brief moment, a cosmetic mask transforms into a meaningful connection sparked by a shared love for music.
“The whole world would be a better place if everyone took just a bit of their time to help others.”
— Samo Tete
One person whose vibrant presence lights up the entire room is Samo Tete from Ghana. While enjoying a relaxing foot mask and catching up with a friend, he takes a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to the team. He reflects aloud on the power of community, saying that the whole world would be a much better place if everyone simply set aside a fraction of their time to help someone else.
Samo leaves an indelible impression on everyone around him. As he mentions that he will certainly return next month if he is still receiving care at the centre, the volunteers share a warm laugh with him, responding with the best wish possible: “We wish you a speedy recovery, and we honestly hope NOT to see you here next month!”
