The world of Tzu Chi Augusts 2021 (Vol.136)

2021 • 08 30 E e Hong Chew, one of the coordinators, reports for duty at the Jing Si Hall practically daily. He was grateful for his family’s understanding. He confessed his fear to participate in any of Tzu Chi’s activities since the onset of the pandemic, out of worry that he would carry the virus home or towork. However, seeing so many volunteers continuing to serve selflessly and conducting relief distributions, he said, “I feel remorseful. Actually, if it is the right thing, we should just do it.” Hong Chew informed that BookDoc was impressed with the efficiency and professionalism displayed by Tzu Chi volunteers. During the planning and preparation process, BookDoc representatives even thought that the volunteers had many prior experiences setting up a vaccination centre, and they were shocked to learn that the volunteers were actually new to the task. Hong Chew believed that the Jing Si Hall vaccination centre is an avenue for the public members to learn about Tzu Chi. He was also confident that the volunteers’ caring services would leave a good impression to all, and that everyone would come joyfully and return with peace of mind. Another volunteer, Lee Wei Kean, would drive from Klang to the Jing Si Hall every Saturday before daybreak for his duty. He admitted that initially, he was not confident if he could fulfil the commitment to be on duty weekly for three consecutive months. “However, as I served, my heart felt full of joy seeing the happy expressions of the vaccinees when they came to the ‘Appointment’ counters to arrange for their second-dose appointment. Now I would look forward to Saturday and feel that a three- month roster is too short!” He confessed. Volunteer Annie Teh was worried that she would not be selected for the Saturday shifts due to the overwhelming response from volunteers. She breathed a sigh of relief when her group leader contacted her to confirm her duty slot. She said, “Many people asked if I was unafraid of being infected. However, we must seize the opportunity to help and feel again the joy of giving. Moreover, how can any vaccination centre operate if everyone is afraid and unwilling to take on the duties?” Coming ‘home’ again to serve pecial Feature It is such a good feeling to come ‘home’! As most of Tzu Chi’s activities have been called off owing to the pandemic, the volunteers were pleased to learn that they could serve again at Jing Si Hall, following the setting up of the vaccination centre. Tzu Chi volunteers remain committed to their aspiration to serve despite the pandemic. [Photo by Woo See Ming]