The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.109)

2019 • 04 16 eature and be inspired to join them in giving of himself to help others. They generously shared with him Jing Si Aphorisms and the insights they gained from their fellowship sessions. “We frequently encourage him to show concern for and be courteous towards his family. Although his wife and children are more reserved towards him, we hope that he remains grateful to his younger brother for fetching him to his dialysis sessions and buying meals for him,” said Fui Cheaw. On the eve of the 2018 Mid-Autumn Festival, the volunteers presented him with some Jing Si mooncakes, much to his delight. He promptly declared his intention to keep the mooncakes for his family, garnering praise from the volunteers for finally being able to appreciate the virtue of gratitude. Every month, volunteers would bring him a copy of The World of Tzu Chi during their visits to introduce him to the work carried out by Tzu Chi volunteers, as well as stories of care recipients who have benefitted from Tzu Chi’s aid and have since repaid the kindness by reaching out to others in need. Kim Peow used to subscribe to the perception that donating money alone is synonymous to charity, but stumbling upon articles documenting the volunteers’ medical outreach missions and home visits made him realize that contributing in kind to serve the community is also a charitable undertaking. Fui Cheaw further drove home the true meaning of charity by advising Kim Peow that “Charity is not the privilege of the rich, but derives value fromthe involvement of thosewho servewith a willing and sincere heart.” But Kim Peow faced a dilemma. Being wheelchair-bound, he struggles to even manage his daily routine by himself, much less be of help to others. The volunteers were sympathetic of his limitations, and encouraged him to engage in charity in his own way by adopting a bamboo bank and contributing towards it, no matter the amount. This inspired him to sign up as a Tzu Chi donor, pledging to donate RM5 monthly to a charitable cause. In the past, Kim Peow lived on easy money, which proved a volatile currency. Now, he finds purpose in doing his part to give back to society through his monthly RM5 donation. “I am incapable of making a decent living, but I find it meaningful that I am able to contribute to charity in my own way, that is by skipping a meal each month,” he said. Kim Peow admitted that his encounter with Tzu Chi volunteers was a significant turning point in his life, as it motivated him to speak kind words, Whenever the volunteers pay him a visit, Yoh Kim Peow would donate RM5 as his way of giving back to society. [Photograph by Au Yoke Lan]