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

2020 • 10 40 T he ongoing “Kita1Keluarga” relief programme, launched by Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, has engaged over 10,000 volunteer participations. As of September 2020, applications for assistance by 2,178 households have been approved. Although the pandemic has disrupted the lives of many, heart-warming gestures of kindness have prevailed. Financial assistance has been distributed to the successful applicants since end of August 2020, with volunteers visiting the beneficiaries at their homes to present them with a cash card and a letter of well-wishes from Master Cheng Yen. Driven by the belief that the beneficiaries are equally capable of reciprocating the kindness offered to them, the volunteers extolled the virtues of charity and promoted the benefits of vegetarianism while helping the underprivileged families overcome tough times. The volunteers introduced the families to the story of Tzu Chi’s Bamboo Bank Era and explained the concept of “giving a little goes a long way”, encouraging them to contribute to the greater good. The volunteers also shared with them copies of The World of Tzu Chi and showed them videos of charitable deeds on laptops. Some of the beneficiaries volunteered to serve at Tzu Chi’s recycling centres, some committed to having one vegetarian meal daily, while others adopted a bamboo bank and deposited their spare change into it daily. Norsafawati, a single mother who raised her seven children singlehandedly following the demise of her husband, adopted a bamboo bank without hesitation after watching a video depicting Tzu Chi aid recipients’ plight, remarking that she intended to help those who are more deserving of assistance. The volunteers hoped to not only inspire kindness and compassion through the “Kita1Keluarga” relief programme, but also keep the spirit of love alive by instilling in the beneficiaries of the programme the philosophy of repaying society. KL & Selangor 2020.08–09 Compiled by Gan Chian Nee Photograph by Lim Chin Shein Inspiring Reciprocal Kindness through Relief Programme ocal News Translated by Choo Suet Fun