The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

Saving firewood for a rainy day My mother used to say, “On good days, gather firewood for rainy days. It reminds me to be frugal and perform good deeds, as the karmic effects may come in beneficial during bad times.” – Lai Kai Hung L ai Kai Hung volunteered as a Tzu Chi Careline tele-interviewer in early June. It is not an easy task making calls to people you do not know, and the most sincere intention can be misinterpreted. Breaking the ice takes time and patience. “Every call is a challenge. Sometimes the applicant did not pick up immediately. Maybe he was worried that it was a scam! However, after I introduced myself and Tzu Chi, the other party would feel more at ease and start talking.” The pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways. It can be a salary deduction, or worse still, losing a job. Kai Hung could not help feeling distressed when he listened to Grandma Chen narrating her story. Grandma Chen is 73 years old and lives in a small room with her 52-year-old daughter. Both mother and daughter depend on each other. Grandma Chen used to work as a kitchen cook and cleaner in a karaoke joint, but unfortunately, the karaoke joint was closed due to the Covid-19 movement control order. Grandma Chen lost her only income, and the two of them had to rely on free lunch boxes. They applied for assistance with Tzu Chi Foundation, which helps subsidize their living expenses. “Grandma Chen’s daughter suffers from heart disease and is unable to work. At that time, Grandma Chen was unable to pay the outstanding medical bills and feared that the hospital would suspend her daughter’s follow-up appointments. Whenever she talked about her daughter, tears welled up and I could feel a mother’s pain and love for her daughter.” After further evaluation, Tzu Chi decided on a long-term subsidy for living expenses for the family. Grandma Chen no longer has to worry about her living costs. Since Grandma Chen has not returned to work and is suffering from sore feet due to her advanced age, the volunteers will also help her to apply for Welfare Assistance Scheme from the Department of Social Welfare. Hopefully, combined with other community resources, this will help them tide over the hard times. Her daughter’s medical condition is now stable and her next follow-up is scheduled a year later. Hopefully, she will get a job and pecial Feature Translated by Lee Hung Jiew 2021 • 12 12