The world of Tzu Chi January 2021 (Vol.130)

TZU CHI 130 39 medical staff on the frontline to be fighting the pandemic in PPE suits over long periods of time to safeguard lives! The power of community During the pandemic, assembling enough manpower to distribute over 34 tonnes of relief supplies to 760 households in the shortest time possible was a huge challenge. Thankfully, the distribution was supported by the block chiefs, who gathered the villagers to help out. Coordinating volunteer, Wong Jia Lih, explained that the distribution involved many aspects of work. Over 20 volunteers participated in the home visits and packing of relief supplies. One of the most challenging aspects on the day of the distribution was to ensure that the villagers (numbered over a thousand) followed the pandemic prevention SOPs and queued in order to collect the supplies. Jia Lih said, “Since Kampung Titingan is regarded as a high-risk area initially, I was worried about the shortage of manpower. Gratefully, where there is a will, there is a way. Quite a few volunteers came forward. I believe they hoped to do their part and share their love with those who were suffering in this unprecedented time.” In terms of supplies, Tzu Chi tried to ensure the villagers received one month’s worth of necessity; therefore, plentiful supplies were provided. Every household received 30 kg of rice, 5 kg of cooking oil, sugar, salt, soy sauce, noodles, soap, masks, face shields and others. For the villagers facing the predicament of food shortage, it was a gift from heaven. Sahada, who had been unemployed for more than six months shared, “I have no job and my life has been very difficult. Fortunately, our neighbours pitied us and shared some food with us. I’m grateful to have received support from Tzu Chi.” The relief distribution attracted the attention of YB Datuk Nizam Datuk Seri Panglima Abu Bakar Titingan, a member of the State Assembly and SabahAssistant Minister of Finance, who approved the passes volunteers needed beforehand and dispatched assistants and the block chiefs to coordinate and make arrangements. On the day of the event, YB Datuk Nizam turned up to present a certificate of appreciation to Tzu Chi and expressed, “Thank you Tzu Chi for your contribution to Kampung Titingan, in terms of education and living conditions. I understand that Tzu Chi has set up a learning centre for the stateless children. If there is something Tzu Chi needs for this, I’ll give you my full support.” Reaching out to relieve pains The event had a touching episode. On the day before the home visit, Abdul, a student from the learning centre reported a case about Dadak to Tzu Chi volunteers. Dadak is a mother of six. Her husband was arrested and she was living on the street with her children. It was fortunate that they met a kind-hearted villager, who settled them next door toAbdul’s residence. Dadak had been vomiting for days. When the children were hungry, they would even eat the vomit. Fifteen-year-old Abdul was worried about Dadak’s condition, hence shared the situation with the volunteers. He then followed their instructions, went to a pharmacy nearby and explained Dadak’s symptoms in detail to the pharmacist, to get the right medicine. Under the imperceptible influence of Tzu Chi’s humanistic culture, Abdul became compassionate and was inspired to help others. Although he is young, Abdul has learned to repay Tzu Chi in his own way for the past two years. He would help out with recycling, at Over 34 Tonnes of Supplies for the Stateless Residents