The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.113)

TZU CHI 113 31 The spirit of giving By Mow Jiun Ting Photograph by Lim Char Boo C are recipient Goh Li Ling was dutifully manning her booth in her volunteer’s vest, which barely covered the burn scars on her neck. Yet, she did not seem to mind the least, as she tried intently to capture visitors’ attention with her homemade cleaning products, comprising soap bars, shower gel, cleaning detergent and dishwashing paste. Li Ling sustained severe burns in an accident in 2015, following which she was repeatedly hospitalized throughout the course of treatment due to persistent bacterial infection. The harrowing ordeal not only left her exhausted both physically and emotionally, but also depleted all her savings. In late 2018, she was deeply moved by the volunteers’ genuine care and concern for her plight. Upon receiving a request from the volunteers to participate in the charity fair, she was quick to agree and launched into the necessary preparations. She had invested considerable time and effort in developing her new line of cleaning products, as well as devising environmentally-friendly ways of packaging her merchandise. For instance, dishwashing paste was packaged in used containers in an effort to extend the utility lifespan of used items and reduce waste. She sought the help of a friend to complete the product packaging by pasting labels detailing the instructions for use and ingredients on the bottles for the convenience of users. Her skin had become sensitive in the wake of her burn injuries, inspiring her to formulate her own line of cleaning products suited to her skin condition. She also concocts cleaning products that cater specifically to the needs of individuals suffering from other skin problems. Driven by a sense of purpose, her intentions were manifold: to help other individuals with special skin conditions, repay the kindness of Tzu Chi volunteers and contribute funds to TCISKL’s operations. Li Ling has demonstrated that charity is not exclusive to the wealthy; as long as one is willing to give, one is capable of reciprocating the kindness of others and perpetuating the cycle of love. Raising Funds for Building Blocks of Love