The world of Tzu Chi August 2020 (Vol.125)

TZU CHI 125 21 Difficult times call for ingenious measures Ng Mee Hong (Hairdresser) Warming hearts with charity Tee Chee Guan (Taxi driver) Throughout the many years I have been running my hair salon, I have never been subjected to closure. The MCO restrictions had deprived me of my main source of income. Fortunately, I used to sell delicacies and pastries on the side, so I peddled bread, various types of kuih , roti canai , rice dumplings, yam cakes and other snacks during the MCO to supplement the household income. Whenever I ventured outside to shop for ingredients, I delivered food to senior citizens with mobility difficulties. As neighbours, we should help each other. My hair salon resumed operations in early June, but I continued my food delivery services and accepted orders for charity bazaars, allowing me the chance to serve the community. I usually serve my regulars, ferrying them to and from the airport or across states. Perhaps my regular commitment to charitable deeds has endeared me to people; I am getting by with a decent number of passengers. Although I have lost my income for the past few months, my application for government assistance had been successfully approved and covers my household expenses. During the MCO, I actively participated in relief distribution sessions for refugees and contributed donations to other charitable organizations in my community. In my opinion, philanthropy knows no bounds; everyone is capable of performing charitable deeds. I took this opportunity to spread kindness and aim to set an example for my children by demonstrating that we should help others to the best of our ability. [Photograph by Sam Pin Fook] [Photograph courtesy of Tee Chee Guan] Adapting to the Times