There are days when we feel like we're on cloud nine. There are also days when we feel like all the odds are against us.
Stress. Anger. Sorrow. Hatred. Greed.
Sometimes having too much makes us feel like we have too little.
But for these children, everyday is a new day filled with hope, happiness and love.
The 3rd of February was an eye-opening day for me and my friends. It was not my first time volunteering at foster homes, but it was the first time I realized the true value of sharing.
We visited three foster homes in Penang with the "Responsible Blogging" team- Asrama Ramakrishna, Children's Protection Society and Penang Shan Children's Home Association. For many it was their first time acknowledging the existence of these homes. Unlike larger charity organisations, these homes lacked the resources to promote themselves to society. But this did not deter the founders from continuing to provide for the children, physically and spiritually.
While we helped out at the homes, it was hard not to notice how the children were always smiling. They were polite, courteous and above all, grateful. The phrase "Thank you" seemed to come naturally to them; their sincerity was a breath of fresh air in a society plagued by materialism and deteriorating moral values.
That was when I thought: these children deserve so much more compared to the rest of us. Many of us live our lives complaining and taking things for granted, because we couldn't see what was there in front of us until it was gone. As a result, we became selfish, proud and cunning, shutting ourselves from a life of sharing and happiness.
But would we have been happier worrying about how to make more money for ourselves rather than giving the money away to put a smile on a child's face?
Chinese New Year is approaching its end. While you're listing down the things to do with your angpao money, don't forget to put "donation" in your list.
Money is only paper if you don't put it to proper use. Love and happiness will never increase unless you share it with someone else. If you are willing to give love to these children, then you will feel the magnitude of all their love for you.
More information on the homes and how you can help:
Ashrama Ramakrishna
Founded in 1938, it is a charitable organisation which runs an orphanage catering for boys and girls, with ages ranging from 6 to 20 years old. Asrama Ramakrishna seeks to fulfill its mission to help the needy by providing for their basic needs and education. All children are provided with proper education to ensure that they give back to society when they come of age.
How you can help:
- Sponsoring a child programme: RM1500 per annum per child (inclusive of education, food, maintenance and miscellaneous fees. Click here for more info)
- Donations: Can only be done via CIMB Cares (Click here for more info)
- Contact details: 04-2270869 (telephone), 04-2278921 (fax), ramkorp@hotmail.com (email)
Children's Protection Society was formed as an initiative by Dato' Nazir Ariff in 1991 under the Penang Rotary Club. Officially launched in 1992, CPS focuses on the emotional and physical development, education, social and recreational skills of the children. The organisation also aims to reunite each child with his/her family by close cooperation and communication with parents and other family members.
How you can help:
- Become a volunteer : Areas include tuition and learning, while times are flexible and can be anything from an hour up
- Sponsor-a-child
- Donations: Cheques should be made payable to Children's Protection Society Pulau Pinang (mailing address: 118-a Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang. Click here for more info.)
- Sponsoring an Activity or Outing: Click here for more info.
- Contact details: 04-8294046 (telephone/fax), cpspg@hotmail.com (email)
Penang Shan Children's Home Association
Founded in 2005, this association is non-religious and non-profit NGO catering to the needs of orphans, neglected children, dysfunctional families and single parents. PSCH aims to not only provide for the children's needs on a short term basis, but also to support them to complete their tertiary education or develop their skills for the workforce. It is their hope to eventually reunite the children with their respective families through home visits and cooperation with parents.
How you can help:
- Adopt a child programme: RM400 per month per child, inclusive of lodging, education, meals, transportation and allowance.
- Donations: Contact the home for more details.
- Contact details: 04-2292186 (telephone/fax), 016-4127711 (mobile number), shanchildrenhomepg@yahoo.com (email), 679-D, Jalan Mount Erskine, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Pulau Pinang (mailing address)
The children are waiting for you! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment