The world of Tzu Chi October 2020 (Vol.127)

2020 • 10 38 Volunteer Teng Wai Ngan runs a vegetarian stall at Oriental Kopitiam, Shah Alam. On August 9, she fundraised for “Kita1Keluarga” relief programme by selling vegetarian Hakka tea rice (lei cha). The community volunteers supported her and turned up to prepare the ingredients, cook and pack them. Fundraising with Hakka tea rice By Sia Ah Tong Photograph by Gan Wee Meng A t the beginning of the movement control order, Teng Wai Ngan opened her business three days a week. It was, however, severely impacted as many offices and factories were closed. The optimistic lady expressed, “The six- month moratorium eased my stress. With our savings, we can pull through.” Wai Ngan is grateful for her son, Phoon Kean Meng’s understanding, as he did not complain despite not being paid for the past three months. Since five years ago, Kean Meng has been working at the stall. Having witnessed his mother transforming the stall from serving meat to only vegetarian dishes, and her persistence despite facing losses, he was filled with admiration. With the uncertainty of the pandemic, the government decided to extend the recovery movement control order. The crowd who eats out have greatly reduced; their business has not entirely recovered. Regarding his mother’s kind act in fundraising for the relief programme, a filial Kean Meng shared sincerely, “We may be earning less, but mum has said that if we can help others, we’ll do our best.” The ripple of love had multiplied. The next-stall wonton noodles owner – Pham Thi Thanh Nga from Vietnam decided to join the charity sale. Thanh Nga first came to Malaysia 13 years ago. Now both husband and wife run the stall, communicating in simple Mandarin. She expressed that she was from a poor family and hence, she could resonate with their current situation. Now that her life is getting better, and seeing Wai Ngan trying to help others, she thought she could do her part and donated two hours of the entire stall’s revenue, turning acts of labour into acts of kindness. Doing good deeds brings untold amounts of happiness. Thanh Nga shared, “This won’t affect our life. Since we have enough rice, we can share some with those who don’t.” pecial Feature