On New Year’s Day, during her visit to Malacca, Echo Chien made a special trip to see two volunteers she had worked with in the early days.
Ninety-four-year-old volunteer Khoo Chin Neo, fondly known as the “godmother” to many volunteers in Malacca, has dedicated over 20 years to Tzu Chi. She used to actively engage in charity, recycling, and other Tzu Chi endeavours, as well as recruit donors for Tzu Chi. At one point, she had recruited 700 to 800 donors in total. Her image, holding an umbrella and traversing streets to collect donations, remains vivid for many early volunteers.
In mid-December 2022, a sudden stroke left her paralysed on her left side. Seeing her in a wheelchair now, Echo Chien was both happy at the reunion and concerned for her physical condition.
“Sister Chin Neo embodies compassion with a gentle demeanour… Fortunately, you seized opportunities to do good and have been passing the teaching of kindness to your descendants.” Echo Chien reminisced, holding Chin Neo’s hand. Even though unable to speak, Chin Neo seemed to recognise her. She would raise her hand to hold hers, occasionally patting her own chest in response.
Her daughter-in-law, Ting Peet Hang, shared how volunteers would sing her mother-in-law’s favourite Tzu Chi song, “One Family”, during visits. Chin Neo’s son, Lim Jen Tat, recalled hearing her singing this song in her room, but lately, she struggles to speak.
Lim Buay Eng, one of the visiting volunteers, could not help but shed tears as she recalled how Chin Neo used to go to her house to collect monthly donations, holding an umbrella. Another volunteer Tai Man reminisced about their trip to Taiwan, to be certified as commissioners. She remembered taking Chin Neo to the hair salon and for a photoshoot before their departure.
“We are sending Master’s blessings to you; keep following Master’s path…” Echo Chien said, presenting a festive gift bag and a red envelope of blessings and wisdom to Chin Neo. The heartfelt words conveyed a profound connection rooted in Tzu Chi.
Volunteer Ng Saw Hua shares a long-standing connection with Echo Chien. Having joined Tzu Chi in 1996, Saw Hua is affectionately known as the “senior house manager of Jing Si Hall”. In the past, she actively participated in various activities, ranging from charity home visits to distribution events, and even took on photography duties. Now at 86 years old, her mobility is limited, and her memory has faded. However, during the volunteers’ visit, she surprised everyone by remembering the names of most of them.
Echo Chien recalled Saw Hua’s meticulousness, particularly in keeping the toilets spotless. Her home was once filled with the lively voices of young people, as she always cared for Tzu Chi staff and collegiate youths with a motherly touch, taught yoga to the young, and cooked them meals, creating a warm and homely atmosphere for all.
Saw Hua has five filial daughters, who take turns returning from abroad every few months to care for their parents. Her youngest daughter expressed gratitude for Tzu Chi, which has enriched her mother’s life. Despite recent mobility challenges, Saw Hua continues to receive visits from many fellow volunteers.
●
Master Cheng Yen often reminds volunteers not to forget “that year, that person, and that aspiration” that have shaped today. With sincere care, volunteers conveyed the Master’s blessings, bringing love to the senior volunteers and hoping that their children will carry on their kindness and selfless love.
