In this global village, when some of our fellow villagers meet with disasters, the rest of us should all unite as one to lend a helping hand. On 1st June, more than 100 Tzu Chi Collegians, or Tzu Chings, were involved in an entire day street fund-raising together with their seniors and fellow adult volunteers. The great love that they exemplify to help the Sichuan and Myanmar victims was more than touching.

Energetic and full of life, Tzu Chings marched enthusiastically with their posters and donation boxes and provided an air of vibrancy in Chinatown.

Tzu Ching seniors and papa, mama (adult volunteers who serve as advisors to Tzu Chings) also gave their utmost support to Tzu Chings so as to encourage and motivate them.

Tzu Chings’ patience and sincerity touched the hearts of many. No matter young or old, regardless of race or religion, many came up to contribute so as to help fellow victims in Sichuan and Myanmar.

When this child emptied his bagful of coins into the charity box, Tzu Ching Nicole Au was so touched that her eyes were brimming with tears.

How could we not adore the little kids who came up to contribute?

“We’re helping the Sichuan and Myanmar victims. Kindly contribute!”
“With your love comes renewed hope.”
“Please help us to help the victims to rebuild their home. Thank you!”

It was a scorching Sunday afternoon. The sky was clear and the mild wind blew occasionally and gently across, sweeping up a wave of heat. Outside the MRT station, departmental stores and market, groups of young volunteers dressed in blue and white were seen all over the place. They were carrying a poster and their donation boxes, diligently collecting donations from the public. Despite the unbearable heat, their smiles stayed on their energetic faces throughout. No matter what the passersby’ reaction was, they will bow and thank each and everyone humbly and appreciatively. They provided such a stark contrast to the usual shoppers that day.

It has been a month since the cyclone struck in Myanmar on 2nd May and the earthquake in Sichuan on 12th May. Tzu Chi Singapore has also obtained the permit from the government for island-wide fundraising in aid of the Sichuan and Myanmar victims. On 1st June, all Tzu Chings and their seniors have been out in the streets to solicit public donations. Under the leadership of their seniors, the Tzu Chings had the whole day, divided into three shifts, doing street fundraising.

Their patience and sincerity touched the hearts of many onlookers. Regardless of religion, ethnic and nationality, most of the passersby contributed to help the disaster-stricken victims in Sichuan and Myanmar. Even some initially indifferent ones were touched and returned to donate a penny or two into the donation box. Regardless of amount, the Tzu Chings continuously bow and thank the donors respectfully.

Despite hours of standing and calling out to the public, the Tzu Chings were not complaining of any fatigue at all and still smiling. They delightedly shared that some onlookers were so kind to even offer to buy them drinks. There was a touching story of an old lady who empathized with the Tzu Chings as if they were her own grandchildren. She gently stroked their faces and said, ‘It’s been hard on you all’. The Tzu Chings were all touched by her warmness. Such incidents and more only further inspired the Tzu Chings to disregard their temporary fatigue and continue to raise more funds for the victims.

A Tzu Ching, Nicole Au said that though she felt tired, her mental strength was strong and motivating, especially when she witnessed the generosity of many kind-hearted souls. She recounted there was a small child who emptied a bagful of coins into the donation box. Nicole was so touched that her eyes were brimming with tears as she thought that could be all his savings!

In order to join this street fundraising, Tzu Ching Koh Jun Jie specially came all the way from Johor Bharu to Chinatown and only returned after the event ended. He said that after watching the disaster news, he felt strongly he has to do his part to help. Indeed, like what Master Cheng Yen always advocates, great love must be exemplified in action.

Chinatown seemed more warm and harmonious than ever that day. Perhaps it was the gathering of kind hearts and the donations in the donation boxes. It goes only to show that no matter which level of society they belonged to, Singaporeans are not indifferent and in fact, we realized there is an undiscovered compassionate side to this democratic society.

The Tzu Chings also believe that, regardless of religion, race or societal status, everyone has a compassionate heart. In this global village, when our fellow villagers meet with trouble, the rest will not hesitate to help and such is the power of great love which will continue to spread throughout our global village.