The world of Tzu Chi February 2020 (Vol.119)

TZU CHI 119 25 herself up in her chalet for years following her husband’s demise, but volunteers Tan Eng, Tan Beow, Lee Shiou Long and Liu Soon Keong coaxed her out of her reclusive existence by inviting her to the distribution events held once every three months for care recipients. For Gim Tuan, making the journey from her chalet situated on a hill to the road accessible to cars, located a distance away, was an uphill struggle with her limited mobility. The arduous trips deterred her from future outings; she declined subsequent invitations and retreated further into her shell. Instead of giving up on Gim Tuan, the volunteers hatched an idea to solve her dilemma. They transported her on a rattan chair from her chalet to the car and transferred her onto a wheelchair upon arriving at the event venue. The harmonious, welcoming atmosphere at the distribution events, which were attended by care recipients of various races, set her mind at ease and made her feel accepted. Gim Tuan is advancing in age and has since relocated from her chalet to the patients’ ward to receive more adequate care for her ailments. Nevertheless, she still anticipates the arrival of the volunteers, who have injected a dose of positivity into her life. She would greet the volunteers enthusiastically whenever they come to visit and hand over her donations to them. In fact, she has been making monthly contributions to Tzu Chi as a regular donor. Her resolve to help others through charity has never wavered and remains as firm as the volunteers’ all-encompassing love for the residents of the settlement. Soon Keong (from right), Tan Beow, Tan Eng and Shiou Long replicated their method of carrying Gim Tuan back in the day for the camera during the residents’ visit to the newly-completed KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall in 2014. [Photograph by Lai Sui Chin] Love Lives On in the Valley of Hope