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

TZU CHI 127 39 “It has the taste of my dad,” said it all. Not only did it explain the reason Tai Mong Chin and son, TanYong Hao, sold vegetarian wonton noodles to fundraise, it also expressed their thoughts of doing good deeds while demonstrating filial piety. Doing good deeds, showing filial affection By Tan Siew Chern Photograph by Ho Wei Mee O n the morning of July 31, volunteer Tai Mong Chin and her son, Tan Yong Hao, began fundraising for the “Kita1Keluarga” relief programme, to gather blessings for her late husband. Yong Hao, a Year 7 student of TCISKL, invited his tablemate Chua Jia Qian to join the cause. They worked hand in hand and neither was picky with tasks given, from washing and cutting vegetables to boiling the noodles. Jia Qian, who embraced vegetarianism under the influence of humanistic culture education at TCISKL, shared, “It’s satisfying.” The ten people had a busy time. Blending beancurds, mushrooms and turnips for the stuffing; dicing lion’s mane mushrooms, seasoning and frying them to make char siu … a plate of seemingly easy-to-make wonton noodles turned out to require cumbersome preparation. With everyone’s cooperation, they completed 111 boxes of noodles perfect in colour, aroma and taste, waiting for its customers. The group’s laughter attracted the attention of their neighbour Vivian Ooi, who bought two boxes, gave them coffee and donated RM50 when she realized they were fundraising to help the needy. Vivian praised, “Your idea is great. Not only does it offer space to contribute, it also gathers the power of the community to do good deeds.” To have so many people’s contributions in realizing this, Mong Chin echoed, “This is a meaningful activity for everyone to create positive affinities.” She was glad that the kid understood the concept of collecting blessings as a show of filial piety, and pleased that he had learnt careful planning before spending when shopping for ingredients. “One’s donation is one’s will. Combining everyone’s will turns it into great power and Great Love that reaches every family in difficult times,” the kind-hearted Yong Hao summarised. We Are Family Contributing to Covid-19 Relief Aid