The world of Tzu Chi September-October 2021 (Vol.137)

TZU CHI 137 27 We bleed the same blood Always ready to help The joy of giving Muthu supports his family of six on his meagre income as a furniture store driver. After learning from the volunteers over the phone that every little kindness count, he brought along a bag of coins on the distribution day. He explained that the money was originally meant for the temple, but now, he wanted to donate it to Tzu Chi to help the needy. Muthu said, “Despite our skin colours, we bleed the same blood. Tzu Chi helps disadvantaged families regardless of race. This is just a small gesture of kindness from me.” Seventy-one-year-old Shawn is a plumbing and electrical contractor. He had no income since the first movement control order. After receiving the food supplies on July 25, he returned home to bring the volunteers a hawker umbrella to shade them from the scorching sun and a prohibitory traffic sign for them to use. He did the same the following week and offered, “I can come over to help repair broken electrical appliances and furniture if you need me.” Single mother Kashvi had applied for Food Care twice. Last year, after receiving the first handout of the “Kita1Keluarga” relief programme, her company resumed paying her salary. As such, she had requested Tzu Chi to stop the subsequent handouts. Instead, she donated RM50 monthly. This year, she faced work suspension again. Although she was only paid half of her salary for July, she generously donated her savings in the coin bank to Tzu Chi. She shared, “I bring homecooked food to work. This way, I can help the poor with the money I have saved.” Tzu Chi’s support has enlightened her of her responsibility to help others. The Master’s messages have also inspired her and her son to pledge to be vegetarians and save in the coin bank daily. * Anonyms are used for all beneficiaries of the Food Care project. Bringing Love to Community through Food Care