The world of Tzu Chi Jan-Feb 2022 (Vol.139)

TZU CHI 139 41 to help others too, when I am able to.” Ah Peng is not close to his family. They seldom visit him in the past ten years. When the adversity befell him, they were unable to offer much help due to their own family commitments. Thankfully, volunteers visited him monthly in the past two years, lending him a hand and extending care when he was in desperate need of assistance. He was touched by how Tzu Chi spreads love and kindness around the world, drawing on a strong team of volunteers. This expands his world and mind. “I believe I would not have lived on, had I not met Tzu Chi. I was under immense physical and mental stress that even my family could not recognize me looking at my depressed appearance.” He sighed in recollection. Now, he is full of vim and vigour. Not only can he walk, but he also happily collects recyclables daily riding on his motorbike. Heng Hee is especially happy to witness his transformation. When Ah Peng visited Tzu Chi Malacca in May 2021 for the Buddha Day Ceremony, volunteers offered him a guided tour of the premises. Their sharing and photos shown had strengthened his will to volunteer. He also aspired to uphold vegetarianism, not just for the sake of saving money. He said, “I wish for a speedy recovery of my health so that I can join the volunteers in their effort to help the needy, and contribute more to safeguard Mother Earth.” Volunteers Tay Heng Hee and Tan Giok Kiat witnessed Lee Ah Peng’s (middle) transformation in the past two years. [Photo courtesy of Tay Heng Hee]