The world of Tzu Chi May 2020 (Vol.122)

TZU CHI 122 33 my mind. Whenever I’m involved in recycling work, I’d recall the residents’ commitment to sorting the recyclables in an organized manner. Furthermore, I aspire to emulate the residents’ unwavering persistence in recycling efforts,” he mused, besides expressing his gratitude to the residents for exemplifying the true meaning of dedication. The years spent committing to recycling efforts proved memorable for both the volunteers and the residents alike. Perpetuating the spirit of charity Siew Ching was admitted to the settlement in 1960, but recovered within a relatively short period of time as his condition was mild. He once worked in the oil palm and rubber plantations owned by the Malaysia Leprosy Relief Association (MaLRA) and was employed as a security guard for the settlement, before securing a job in a factory. In the late 90s, Siew Ching, who lived in one of the wooden chalets and has a son and a daughter, would meet up with Sek San for a chat after returning from work, besides catching up on the latest news on the residents’ recycling endeavours. He was also moved by the volunteers’ goodwill towards Wong Ping, inspiring him to start contributing monthly donations to Tzu Chi from 1997 until today. Yet over time, age has taken a toll on his health; he became so frail that he sustained a fall that rendered him unable to work. He relocated to the ward from his wooden chalet following his wife’s passing, as he was reluctant to burden his children and their families. When Siew Ching first moved into the ward a decade ago, he observed that the tenacious Sek San maintained a daily routine of going from ward to ward to collect recyclables from six in the morning, despite being wheelchair-bound after losing a leg. Sek San would even gather cardboard scraps littered along the path extending from the wards every day without fail. Eight years have passed since Siew Ching started following Sek San on his collection rounds in 2012 – he continues to do so today by himself. “Sek San’s remaining leg eventually had to be amputated as well, impeding his mobility and strength. He was no longer able to commit to recycling work, but someone had to take responsibility for the recycling initiatives in the ward. So I took over the mantle,” recounted Siew Ching. To Siew Ching, collecting and sorting recyclables are not in the least exhausting. Rather, his involvement in recycling work has nurtured in him feelings of contentment and gratification that warm him from the inside. In fact, he revealed that the task of collecting recyclables is now so ingrained in his daily life that it has become second nature to him; he could not bear to think of going through a day without it! Siew Ching has been following programmes on Da Ai TV from the television in the ward as well as reports of Tzu Chi’s endeavours in the newspapers. Hence, he is familiar with the organization’s values and missions. He professed that although he is unable to follow the volunteers’ footsteps in travelling abroad to serve overseas charity missions, he insists on doing his part through monthly donations and recycling work as his way of contributing to a charitable cause. “I have no way of knowing how long I’ll be able to devote myself to recycling efforts. All I know is that I’ll continue to fulfil my obligations to the best of my ability, for as long as possible,” affirmed Siew Ching as a warm smile spread across his face, turning into a cheerful grin. “Blessed are those who are able to serve!” Passing the Baton of Environmental Awareness