The world of Tzu Chi February 2021(Vol.131)

TZU CHI 131 43 approached by volunteer Wai Kam Thai. She immediately shopped for the ingredients even before deciding on the menu, to avoid shortages of ingredients in the market later. Being a housewife, Sow Kuen had no prior experience preparing this number of servings. Hence, she quickly sought help from her neighbours and mother-in-law. One of her friends even donated money on learning of the good cause. She said, “I am very happy to be able to do something for the flood victims who are in distress.” Provision in the hour of need When volunteers delivered the meal packs to Tan Chee Leong (main picture) from Taman Sempalit, Mentakab, her face lit up with joy. She said, “Your timing is so right! I am so tired and hungry from the clean-up. I totally did not expect that someone would come to care for us…” This was the first time her house was flooded. She suffered heavy losses with her furniture soaked in muddy floodwaters that reached five feet. An equally exhausted flood victim was 70-year-old Loke Ah Mooi, who lives alone. She was taking a rest after continuous cleaning when the volunteers visited. She shared that she was devastated to return to a smelly and messy home. Fortunately, her daughter and grandchildren were there to help her in the past two days. Her neighbours also lent a helping hand in bringing the big furniture out to the road side. She said, “As neighbours, we help each other out. I could see good neighbourliness manifested in this disaster.” She also thanked the volunteers for their care and thoughtfulness. Volunteer Koh Yean Khim informed that floodwaters had yet to subside completely at some low-lying areas, as of January 10. Besides delivering warm meals, volunteers also provided care from door to door and gathered their details to prepare for the next course of relief action. Love prevails in times of difficulty with everyone lending a hand and warming the hearts. To quote a Jing Si aphorism, “Blessed is when everyone loves and cares for one another.” For enquiries, please call 03-6256 3800. Tzu Chi’s flood relief coverage (as of January 13) • Temerloh • Mentakab • Kuantan • Maran • Raub • Kluang • Kota Tinggi • Ulu Tiram Bottled drinks 5,757 Warm meals 3,478 Blessing packages 742 Blankets 1,118 Number of provisions (households) 1,998 Volunteer participations 848 For flood relief and donation details, please visit: Immediate Relief Aid for Deluged Pahang