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

TZU CHI 138 31 A heartwarming festival On October 24, volunteers Wong Chow Lan, Wong Lee Hin and Tan Huey Jyy went to Angkasa Nuri to visit single mother, Mala a/p Palaniandy, and her family. Besides rice, cooking oil and festive supplies, they also brought them a stainless-steel pan that was donated. When Mala saw the pan, she excitedly exclaimed, “Wow! I have never used such a good quality pan. Thank you, Tzu Chi. It is beautiful, and I love it.” In fact, Mala’s house was quiet although Deepavali was approaching. She did not celebrate last year and planned to keep it simple this year. She said, “In the past, I would buy new clothes for my children and buy food and prayer offerings for the celebration. However, I do not feel like doing any of these this year.” Other than being badly affected by the pandemic, where she has just resumed work in early October, she also missed her son, who lost his life in a road accident last year. She would still cry thinking about him. Now, she has only her younger daughter by her side. The volunteers’ visit created a warm and relaxed atmosphere, bringing happiness to the home with chatter and laughter. They also presented to her a small blessing pack, and reminded her to cherish every present moment and that she could use the pan to prepare a good meal to share with her daughter. Their caring reminders and well wishes put a smile on Mala’s face. kilogramme white rice pack, five-kilogramme cooking oil, noodles and dry food, on top of beverages, ingredients for making pastries, cookies and other festive supplies. Not only food but also love For many disadvantaged families, the gift packs were a relief as they would then have adequate supplies to celebrate. On October 23 evening, volunteers Lee Sok Cheng and Ong Lee Siew delivered a gift pack to Siddheswari a/p R. Ravindran, who lives in Batu Berendam. Siddheswari has diabetes and mobility difficulty, but that does not rob her of her smile. Looking at the two tins of cookies and ingredients for pastry making, she said with a wide smile, “I have enough for my cookies now.” It turned out that her family member who used to provide for the family, had recently left home following a conflict. They lived on loans from neighbours and dry foods from a nearby temple. Siddheswari’s husband, Suresh a/l Sukaramaniam, who had to quit his job to take care of his wife, had to find part-time jobs to earn some income. True to the saying, “It never rains but it pours,” they also suffered losses from a flood earlier, which damaged some furniture. All these incidents left them struggling to make ends meet, let alone celebrate the festival. However, now with the gift pack from Tzu Chi and preloved dolls that the volunteers brought for the children, the family could finally celebrate the festival together.