The world of Tzu Chi September 2020 (Vol.126)

TZU CHI 126 21 kitchen. “Lai Wone is very kind. She noticed that the volunteers wasted a lot of time travelling out for lunch despite having busy recycling schedules. Without hesitation, she volunteered to help in the kitchen to lessen my burden,” said volunteer Tan Lay Guat. Lai Wone smiled, sharing that she indeed enjoyed cooking and could use her skills in the centre. Since she and her husband were the only ones at home and did not consume much, she would bake cakes for the volunteers for breakfast. Seeing them enjoying the food gave her great satisfaction. “I’m already over 50. At my age, and without a job, it’s better for me to have some activities instead of just watching TV at home! When I’m in the centre, there are many ways for me to contribute,” said Lai Wone. More than willing to help “Madam Hean, you’re here! I thought you weren’t coming!” exclaimed Chew Chin Chin, the volunteer in charge of public relations at the centre where she educates the public on recycling while cordially socializing with them. Madam Hean placed down the recyclables and rushed to help out in the kitchen, before proceeding to sweep the centre’s compound. Madam Hean, also known as Hean Guek Huang, is a resident from the nearby neighbourhood. Her passage to the centre began when she walked in out of curiosity one day and bonded with the volunteers. Now, she walks to the centre every time, taking 40 minutes. “I’m used to it! It’s an exercise for me!” she exclaimed in a carefree manner. At the centre, the considerate 61-year- celebration was made by Low Lai Wone, one of the local residents volunteering at the centre. During the centre’s construction, Lai Wone was often curious about what was being built. From a thicket to the first drive-thru recycling centre in the country In July 2018, Tzu Chi obtained approval from the Shah Alam City Council to develop a 26,000 sq. ft of thicket into the KK REC. The centre, which was officially launched in 2019, became the first “drive-thru” recycling centre in Malaysia. Upon stepping into the centre, one is greeted by the sight of lotus blossoms in a small pond. Further in is the education and reading areas. The largest space is reserved for the sorting area, while the kitchen and washrooms are located at the back. Everything needed for recycling is found in the centre. A place for everyone At the KK REC, each person, regardless if one is a volunteer or not, can play to one’s strengths. Lai Wone, upon learning that the centre needed volunteers, signed up promptly. Initially, Lai Wone only helped in sorting paper recyclables. Upon learning that the centre needed beautifying, she quickly took the initiative to assist. As it turned out, she used to work as an advertising designer. Hence, it was no big feat for her to complete the murals in the activity hall and the Polar Bear house in the educational areas of the centre. After completing the murals, Lai Wone found a new calling in the kitchen. One day, discovering that the kitchen helpers were preparing curry noodles, she graciously gave some of her home-made chilli pastes to the Tzu Chi’s Three Decades of Recycling