The world of Tzu Chi May-June 2022 (Vol.141)

TZU CHI 141 31 W ith Eid al-Fitr around the corner, Tzu Chi Malacca volunteers distributed festive gift packs to 32 Malay care recipient families and 16 refugee families whose children are enrolled in refugee education centres assisted by Tzu Chi, on April 23 and 24, 2022. They were also given coupons, which they could redeem for daily necessities and clothing from Tzu Chi recycling centres. Care recipient Baby Rose bte Daulat Khan, who is in her 70s, had not gone shopping in a long time. When she saw the wide array of items available for selection at the pre-loved corner, she was overjoyed and chose a pair of earrings and some kitchen utensils. She shared, “Now that living cost is increasing and life is more difficult than before, Malacca I 23–24.04.2022 Adding Warmth to This Eid Al-Fitr By Low Siew Lian & Julie Yen Yu Chu Photo by Choo Tee Seng I do not have extra money to buy things for Hari Raya. This gift pack is enough for the celebration. I am also very happy that my wish for a pair of earrings is granted! I have been longing for one for a long time. It is such a surprise, thank you!” For Muhamad Firdaus Tang bin Abdullah, a single father in his 30s, nobody had helped his family prepare food for festive celebrations since his wife’s demise in 2021. He planned to have a simple Eid al-Fitr celebration and take his kids to visit their mother’s grave. He was pleased to find kurma (dates), drinks, sauces, cookies, noodles, coconut milk, peanuts, ketupat (rice cubes), curry powder, turmeric powder and other spices in the gift pack. With these, he could at least let his kids enjoy the festive food and feel the festive mood. When he took his kids to the pre-loved corner, they happily chose some clothes and stationery. For this Eid al-Fitr, volunteers, regardless of religion and race, put their love and sincerity into these gift packs, hoping that the Muslim families are able to celebrate with joy.