The world of Tzu Chi Apr-Jun 2023 (Vol.146)

TZU CHI 146 15 I want to be a volunteer I want to do my part to protect the Earth Romelah bt Ismail brought her granddaughter to the Jing Si Hall for the first time. After the demise of her second daughter and son-in-law, she was left to care for her three school-going grandchildren. That, coupled with her own health issues and the responsibility of looking after her disabled daughter, put her in a slump. She said tearfully, “I am deeply grateful to Tzu Chi for reaching out when I was in trouble. More than the financial assistance, it was their spiritual support and encouragement that truly gave me a renewed sense of life!” Encouraged by the volunteers, she donates to the bamboo bank daily. “Although life is difficult, these small contributions gradually accumulate. I am glad that I can engage in acts of kindness without having to wait until I am rich.” Romelah looks forward to her recovery and join the Tzu Chi family. Ahmad Padal bin Salima, a kidney dialysis patient, and his wife, Juma Ati, both from Indonesia, have three children. They sought assistance from Tzu Chi in 2021 as they could not afford the cost of dialysis. Juma, who works as a cleaner, takes the initiative to collect recyclables from her work sites and sell them for extra income. Inspired by Tzu Chi’s global charitable efforts, she also began collecting recyclables at home and sending them to Tzu Chi recycling point every month. She expressed, “I want to do my part to protect the Earth and help those in need.” By Chow Hui Hoon Photo by Chai Mong Ping By Chan Shih Yih Photo by Teng Pick Cheang