The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

TZU CHI 107 27 O n January 6, 2019, Tzu Chi Malacca held its annual year-end distribution event, bringing together volunteers and care recipients to celebrate the dawn of the new year. Early in the morning, 61 tables were set up at the dining hall where breakfast was served. Spring festival couplet calligraphy, free haircuts, medical services and a pre-loved item giveaway were included in the programme for the event. The “God of Prosperity” made an appearance to encourage vegetarianism, besides delivering blessings. Members of the Malaysia Solid Waste Corporation (SWCorp) were also actively promoting recycling efforts to save the Earth. Some participants have been attending the event yearly for the last 10-plus years, whereas some joined for the first time. Joyful greetings were exchanged between familiar faces. Time flew by so quickly that it has turned a child into a teenager and left the elderly with white hair aplenty. The event was attended by 541 people and 470 volunteers were on duty to provide attentive, nearly one-to-one service. The event was graced by Malacca Health and Anti-Drug Committee Chairman and StateAssemblyman, YB Low Chee Leong, who attended on behalf of the Chief Minister. Guests from various organizations were also present in addition to media personnel from several newspapers and TV stations who came to report on the virtuous occasion. Offering wishes of blissfulness Four volunteers dressed as “God of Prosperity” walked around to greet the guests while inviting everyone to embrace vegetarianism. Somewere attracted by the photo frames held by the “Gods of Prosperity” and excitedly took photos with them, while some laughed heartily listening to their interesting conversations. Normala Leman and her two sisters, who participated in the event for the first time, not only posed for a photograph with the “Gods of Prosperity”, but also pledged to go vegetarian for four days. “The volunteers told us that carbon emissions saved from observing a vegetarian diet for four days is equivalent to planting a tree. Moreover, I just learnt through the sketch that even NBA players can go vegan without their stamina being affected! So I would like to give it a try too, and I will promote the idea to my friends via Facebook,” said a happy Normala. In fact, volunteers have shared about the benefits of vegetarianism and the importance of recycling with Normala’s family since they came into contact with the family two years ago. However, despite knowing that a vegetarian diet is good for health and the environment, the family could not fully observe a vegetarian diet. Now, Normala is more convinced and hopes to gradually embrace vegetarianism, thereby contributing towards the mitigation of global warming. Grateful for a helping hand in times of adversity Apart from the screening of the “Tzu Chi 2018 Year in Review” video, other stage performances were presented, including a drama performance by the volunteers to advocate for vegetarianism, as well as dance, martial arts and lion dance performances. There was an additional “Giving Gratitude” segment in the event for care recipients to write