![Tzu Chi KL & Selangor hosted a heartwarming Eid al-Fitr celebration for its Muslim care recipient families on April 20 at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. [Photo by Lim Char Boo]](/images/Articles/CS/2024/KL20240420_ljm03_139.jpg "Tzu Chi KL & Selangor hosted a heartwarming Eid al-Fitr celebration for its Muslim care recipient families on April 20 at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. [Photo by Lim Char Boo]")
Eid al-Fitr is a time for family gatherings and sharing of blessings. Tzu Chi KL & Selangor ensured that the care recipients, too, could celebrate the occasion with joy.
This year, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor hosted a heartwarming Eid al-Fitr celebration for 36 Muslim care recipient families (totalling 148 people) on April 20, at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. Greeted by volunteers’ warm smiles, the care recipients stepped into a vibrant venue decorated with festive elements. A mini traditional Malay stilt house alongside pelita raya and buluh lemang created a perfect setting for family portraits.
The care recipients got to leave aside the heavy burdens of life and immerse themselves in an array of meticulously planned performances, including a choir, dance, and skit. Particularly captivating was the joint performance by refugee children from the Tzu-Chi Alternative Learning Centres and the choir formed by the Tzu Chi Entrepreneurs’ Group. Their rendition of Malay songs created a lively atmosphere that celebrated Malaysia’s cultural diversity.
The skit, “Fifty Cents Can Save Lives”, vividly delivered in Malay, illustrated the humble beginnings of Tzu Chi, demonstrating how small contributions can collectively make a significant impact.
◎ We speak the same language of love
Tzu Chi firmly believes that love can transcend all boundaries. Dr. Zazali Mohd Yatim, a member of Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), shared his journey with Tzu Chi, which began after witnessing their humanitarian efforts in the aftermath of the 2014 East Coast flood.
Through his participation in various Tzu Chi’s medical outreaches and charitable activities locally and abroad, he witnessed Tzu Chi’s humanitarian spirit that transcends borders, races, and religions. Hence, when someone curiously asked why he joined Tzu Chi, he would always confidently reply, “Why not?” He highlighted a shared principle of humanity through an Islamic teaching: “The best of humans are those who are most beneficial to others.”
Two Tzu Chi care recipients also shared their stories, exemplifying how the public’s love has been consolidated through Tzu Chi to help underprivileged families. One of them was 18-year-old Nor Aisah Basry, who expressed her deep appreciation for Tzu Chi’s decade-long support, which has been instrumental in her and her sister’s education.
Raised in a single-parent family, Aisah remains committed to realising her dreams of becoming a teacher. Furthermore, inspired by volunteers who shared with them Tzu Chi’s endeavours and stories of kindness during their monthly visits, Aisah and her sister now save in their bamboo banks to donate for charitable causes.
◎ Vibrant celebrations with wellness initiatives
Recognising that poverty is both a cause and a consequence of poor health, Tzu Chi invited the Ministry of Health (MOH)’s Wellness on Wheels (WoW) mobile truck to promote health awareness at the event. The four engaging game stations: bicycle juicer, hopscotch, soft darts, and a health word search, allowed the care recipients to learn about healthy living habits in a fun way.
Nur Fhaezatul from MOH emphasised, “We are now focusing on health care rather than sick care. Our aim is disease prevention. These activities are part of the services we provide to the public, encouraging them to stay active to prevent diseases and complications.”
In addition to the mobile truck, the informational displays and game zone set up by TIMA also successfully captured the interest of many care recipients, who dropped in to play the games or listen to the TIMA volunteers’ sharing, all with the aim of imparting knowledge on healthy eating.
Nor Aishah, suffering from congenital cerebellar disorder, has been under Tzu Chi’s care for eight years. Her mother rarely takes her out to avoid unnecessary stares and judgmental onlookers. However, out of curiosity about the charity organisation that has been helping her, the family decided to attend the Eid al-Fitr celebration and distribution event. Feeling respected and loved at the Jing Si Hall, Nor Aishah expressed her gratitude, saying, “We can only repay by contributing to the bamboo bank.”
For Zalina, who hardly leaves home after losing her vision, the event was special. She was deeply moved by the volunteers’ warm invitation and assistance in offering her a ride. Although she could not see the skit “Fifty Cents Can Save Lives”, the message was etched in her mind. She expressed her intention to emulate the good deed and contribute daily to the bamboo bank to reciprocate the love from society.
◎ Witnessing the power of love
In addition to care recipients, Tzu Chi invited personnel from various government agencies that have long collaborations with Tzu Chi, as well as guests from the private sector, to join the event.
Dr. Muhammad Yusof Sibert, Deputy Director of KL Health Department, concurred with Tzu Chi’s humanitarian missions. “The bamboo bank collection is something which is close to everybody’s heart because it is not how much you give. What you should know is that what you give will one day serve you or others. As any religion will always say, you will always be rewarded in a different way.”
Quek Kia Ann, Director of Community Division, Social Welfare Department, commended the Eid al-Fitr event for bringing different communities together, and acknowledged Tzu Chi’s work. “We always encourage NGOs like Tzu Chi to come forward to help because, in the government, we cannot do the work alone. We need NGOs like Tzu Chi so that we can collaborate together for the benefits of the people who are in need.”
Nurul Izzah Anwar, Co-Head of Finance Minister’s Advisory Committee Secretariat, was impressed by Tzu Chi volunteers’ shared charitable vision and their dedication. “These are stories of children in real life; lives touched through assistance that is based on the principle of practising kindness every day. I would like to invite everyone to uphold the humanitarian spirit.”
Norhayati from PERKESO is familiar with Tzu Chi due to work interactions. “I see that Tzu Chi Foundation has a significant impact on all communities. Especially for clients that we PERKESO are unable to assist, we will channel their information to Tzu Chi, and Tzu Chi is willing to help them. We are grateful for that.”
●
The event concluded with a warm meal featuring delicious vegetarian dishes that catered to the tastes of the Malay community. Each care recipient household also received a festive gift bag, and many took home items they selected from the pre-loved items corner.
For the care recipient families, the day was more than just receiving material supplies; it was about being seen, respected and valued. In a world often divided by differences, the event reminded us of our shared humanity and the profound impact of kindness and community support.
