Malaysia Celebrates Moon Cake Festival
and Donates to Katrina Victims
Despite
their financial constraints, Tzu Chi aid recipients practice
generosity by making donations.
MALACCA,
Malaysia - In conjunction with the coming Chinese Moon Cake
Festival, Tzu Chi volunteers in Malacca held their 117th disaster
relief. Although the moon cakes and decorated lanterns created
a festive atmosphere, this event also raised relief funds
for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnic groups
came together for this Tzu Chi Event. Aside from enjoying
stage performances, many volunteers and participants were
happy to meet each other again. The first aid recipient of
Malacca Tzu Chi, an elderly uncle, said, "I hardly get
to go out. Today, volunteers brought me here and I feel very
happy. I have been looking forward to this day."
All of us are here to help
A Tzu Chi volunteer described the disastrous
post-Katrina condition in New Orleans to the Malaysian aid
recipients at the event. He urged the aid recipients to pray
for the well-being of the victims and to seize this opportunity
to help those in need by making donations.
Some aid recipients felt they were blessed
in comparison to the Katrina victims. A kidney patient donated
twice. Some Tzu Chi volunteers worried that aid recipients
might not have enough for themselves if they donated too much
money. However one aid recipient said, "I don't always
have the opportunity to help. So I have to grab this chance
to contribute."
A special day
During the disaster relief fund drive,
there were four groups of Tzu Chi guests present, hoping to
understand more about Tzu Chi. One visitor and lecturer from
the Multimedia University said, "Thank you, Tzu Chi,
for providing us with the chance to give. I hope we can bring
Tzu Chi's spirit of Great Love into our campus."
A charity food sale was also held to raise
funds for Katrina victims. Tzu Chi volunteers hope that their
care and love will help relieve the pains of those who suffer.
 Osman
and his wife recited Muslim prayers to wish the best to
the refugees in New Orleans. |
 Fauziah,
a cheerful and helpful young lady, always makes home visits
together with Tzu Chi volunteers. She is one of the caregivers
present at this event. |
 When
the performances started, the atmosphere in the hall became
light and joyful. |
 Tzu
Chi kitchen volunteers holding a fund raising sale to
contribute to the relief efforts for New Orleans. |
 During
their visit, lecturers from the Multimedia University
distributing biscuits to the aid recipients. |
