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

2020 • 09 22 eature old Guek Huang busies herself with trivial and undesirable tasks, such as sweeping the floor and cleaning the washrooms. “I’m young compared to the volunteers who are ten years older,” she said. “It’s very tiring for the elderly to do the sweeping as you’ll constantly need to bend your back and extend your arms,” said the sexagenarian. She also shared that the centre is not only a place for her to make more friends, it is also a place for her to practise Dharma. “I’ve learnt to be more tolerant as everyone is different. I’ve also learnt to be receptive as well as more accepting of others’ opinions.” Although Lai Wone and Guek Huang are not Tzu Chi volunteers, they are never treated indifferently but are welcomed as part of the family. “We really like the environment here as it’s not only beautiful, the air is fresh as well. As long as we’re needed, we’re willing to continue contributing.” A refuge for one’s heart At the corner of the disassembling area, 31-year-old Ong Han Xiang is removing screws and other components with a power drill. Without distractions, he is fully focused on his recycling activity. Sometimes, he would simultaneously manage the recycling of PET bottle as well. Han Xiang only studied till Form 4 and had worked odd jobs in CD shops, auto repair workshops as well as at parking lots. His slow wit often made him the target of unfair treatment at the workplace. “When I was out there, I had to compensate for things I had unintentionally damaged while repairing them, got reprimanded for not performing well and even endured accusations of being lazy even when I was working hard.” These ordeals drove him to stay at home where he would entertain himself by disassembling mechanical parts. At the recommendation of his mother’s friend, Han Xiang came to the KK REC. The volunteers had him started with his favourite pastime – disassembling parts. He not only became skilled in disassembling parts, he also found joy in doing it. Wanting to share the joy with his friend, he invited him to try out. Who would have known that the friend would reject his invitation, responding that “If there’s no money to be earned, I won’t do it.” In order to escape the uncomfortable stares and unkind treatment from people, the 31-year-old found refuge in the centre and for the past seven months, has been helping out there. During this time, the volunteers would often extend their concern for him by constantly asking about his well-being. The warm treatment led him to think that – here, no one will scold me, and even if there is no money to be made, I will still be able to work happily. From a capitalistic viewpoint, the works that the Tzu Chi recycling volunteers are doing is time-consuming, energy-sapping, and unprofitable. However, from a wellness standpoint, the volunteers are “earning” happiness. The KK REC managed to calm Han Xiang physically and mentally, and unite the community in looking out for each other. Everyone has different capabilities and