The world of Tzu Chi Nov-Dec 2021 (Vol.138)

TZU CHI 138 29 I remember that my son’s school sent us rice the day after you came. My husband and I were also given vaccinations. We are really very lucky!” Speaking of the past, Samira was grateful that they kept in touch. Whenever she was in difficulty, Poh Wee would offer timely assistance. In mid-August, when the then- unemployed Samira had used up the one-off cash relief, Poh Wee reported her case to Tzu Chi and applied for emergency subsidies. This time, Samira texted to ask where she could get free food and Poh Wee delivered the cash vouchers for her to buy milk powder and food supplies the family needed. Samira felt that Tzu Chi people are her Angels of Luck. When they came knocking on her door, they brought her luck, hope and positivity, which helped her see light in darkness and gave her the courage to live on. “My husband and I are taking our second vaccine doses at the end of September. His boss promised that he could return to work after getting the vaccination. I will look for a job nearby as well. If I get one, I will send my child for childcare. I believe that as long as we have a job, there is no need to worry about paying rent or being hungry.” Her voice filled with hope. Poh Wee could feel that Samira has walked out of depression and despair, and is now confident to face the future. She gave Samira a thumbs-up, encouraging her to always stay positive and optimistic. Samira agreed and shared that she knew she was not alone as she had her husband and her children, and family-like Tzu Chi people. Facing the future with positivity On the same day of the visit, Samira bought some milk powder, baby diapers and supplies home. She said that she would spend the remaining cash vouchers carefully. Back at the lobby, Samira phoned her husband and had him and their daughter to meet the volunteers. The little girl was not shy meeting strangers, instead, she looked at Poh Wee and others with her big, round eyes. Samira lifted her over and took a can of milk powder from her husband. She expressed her gratitude to the volunteers who sent her the milk powder, adding that the staff at the Tzu- Chi Free Clinic would give her the same milk powder when she went for an appointment. With her daily intake of such nutritious drinks, not only was the girl healthy, she was also active and lively. Samira smiled and shared that although there was only half a can of it left, she was not worried as she had just bought another month of milk powder supply with the cash vouchers. She told her daughter to be grateful to Tzu Chi who made it possible for her to be well fed. The adorable little one patted the can, nodding repeatedly. At that instant, captivated by her lovely expressions, all sufferings of the pandemic were forgotten, everyone laughed. 2 Since April 2020, in order to help the refugees who were severely affected by the pandemic, UNHCR and Tzu Chi have joined hands to offer one-off cash relief in the form of cash vouchers to the refugees in need through the Covid-19 CBI project. Let Everyone Be Free from Hunger