The World Of Tzu Chi(Vol.128)

2020 • 11 22 Over the years, Tan Kim Chew has been paying regular visits to the Tiam Yam Toh Teng old folks’ home in Klang, to care for the elderly residents and dance with them, bringing them love and joy. [Photograph by Tai Fuey Tat] eature Leong Yok, who is a Tzu Chi volunteer from the Entrepreneurs’ Group, invited him for a visit to Taman Sinar Harapan, a centre for the disabled in Kuala Kubu Bharu. He related, “He said we would just need to fluff the blankets and then we could enjoy some good food nearby. Of course I would not want to miss out on good food!” Recalling the incident more than ten years ago, he said, “I spruced up for the visit in shiny leather shoes and an ironed shirt. But before I even entered the centre, I caught a whiff of pungent odour.” Unable to take care of themselves, the inmates with severe intellectual disabilities were seen naked and covered with faeces. Those who were aggressive were locked up to avoid them from hurting others. The dumbfounded Kim Chew was afraid to take another step forward. But encouraged by volunteer Yap Chua Ho, he forced himself to start cleaning. “Actually, I was just pretending to sweep,” he laughed. Looking at his faeces stained shoes and hands, Kim Chew felt deceived because Leong Yok was really assigned to fluff blankets but he got the “toughest” job. He kept his discontent and said that he would never visit again. But, when Leong Yok invited him the following month, he agreed without much hesitation. This time, he was well prepared with rain boots. “I asked myself, if other volunteers could serve, why couldn’t I? Compared to the inmates, I could go anywhere I wanted and was able to support my parents. I wondered why I always complained about my life. I was actually very blessed and should feel grateful.” That same year, Kim Chew started volunteering with Tzu Chi. He took up the role as a community leader and got in the groove. With a flexible work schedule, he was always ready to serve whenever he was needed, be it volunteering at Taman Sinar Harapan, free clinic at the Lenggeng detention camp or volunteer get-together sessions. He would also help to transport items and offer rides to fellow volunteers. For the free clinic at Lenggeng detention camp, he had to leave Klang as early as 4 a.m. Acting as a dental assistant, he would assist in setting up the dental equipment. He said humbly, “It was very easy to learn!” If we see a chipped mug from another angle, it still looks perfect. Likewise, despite losing a leg, Kim