![Each gift box brings warmth and blessings to care recipients’ Lunar New Year celebrations. [Photo by Lim Chin Shein]](/images/Articles/RW/2025/KL20250112a_lzs01_058.jpg "Each gift box brings warmth and blessings to care recipients’ Lunar New Year celebrations. [Photo by Lim Chin Shein]")
As the Lunar New Year approached, the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall was filled with festive cheer. More than just a seasonal celebration, the Lunar New Year distribution brought blessings, warmth, and a deep sense of connection and hope for the year ahead.
The joyful melodies of Lunar New Year songs echoed through the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall, filling the air with festive cheer. On January 12, 2025, 607 Chinese care recipients and their families gathered for a heartwarming Lunar New Year distribution event.
Upon arrival, attendees rang the peace bell and sounded the Bodhi drum before entering the lobby area to light lamps in prayer and donate their bamboo bank savings, sharing their love with those in need. Many stopped by the Wishing Tree to pen down their wishes, draw Jing Si wisdom sticks, and take photos near the giant red envelope of blessings and wisdom. The lively lion dance and the appearance of the God of Prosperity heightened the festive atmosphere.
The corner for pre-loved items was equally bustling, with clothing, household goods, school bags, and other items available for selection.
◎ Moved by love, inspired to give
“This is my first time at Jing Si Hall. The peaceful atmosphere instantly relaxed me and washed away my worries,” shared Tang Wan Poo, who had to stop working due to a foot injury. His financial burden eased with Tzu Chi’s support since last year.
As the only child in his family, he shared, “The volunteers visit me regularly, and it feels like I suddenly have older siblings. It makes me really happy.” Inspired by the warmth of the Tzu Chi family, he hopes to start helping others and introduce Tzu Chi to his friends.
Meanwhile, dialysis patient See Chok Chai attended the event with his family. At the corner for pre-loved items, he picked out clothes for himself and a stuffed toy for his grandchild. When a volunteer suggested taking more, he declined, saying, “I have enough. Let’s leave some for others.”
During the event, a video reviewing Tzu Chi’s charitable work over the past year moved him deeply. Admiring the volunteers’ selfless love, he said, “If my health allows, I’d love to join Tzu Chi one day and give back.”
◎ The circle of love continues
On stage, care recipient Madam Ong shared her journey. After losing both her son and daughter-in-law, she worked two jobs to raise her grandson. Later, when she suffered a fall and was worried about the cost of surgery, Dr. Teh Hak Lian reported her case to Tzu Chi, turning her situation around.
With volunteers’ continued care, she gradually opened her heart and joined them in their voluntary work. “Visiting other care recipients made me realise how fortunate I am simply to be able to walk,” she said.
Knowing that she had always wanted to thank Dr. Teh, volunteers arranged a surprise reunion. The moment she saw him, she beamed with joy. “Thank you, doctor, for helping me! I hope you’ll continue supporting Tzu Chi so that more people in need can be helped.”
Seeing her walk again, Dr. Teh was equally moved. While doctors cannot guarantee success in every surgery, he believes in doing his best for every patient. For him, being a doctor is a blessing – one that must be fully utilised.
◎ A spark of kindness, a life transformed
Lam Sook Fun, a volunteer at this event, once faced financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recalled being hesitant when volunteers first reached out to visit her home. “I was afraid it was a scam. When they called again, though, and offered to meet me downstairs instead, I felt bad rejecting them, so I let them come over,” she admitted.
To her surprise, not only did her family receive financial assistance, but her daughter, Ngai Chee Ching, also had the opportunity to join Tzu Chi’s “i·didik” online tutoring programme. This helped her catch up with her studies, ultimately earning nine A’s in her SPM examinations. She also blossomed from a shy girl into a confident event emcee.
From initial doubt, Sook Fun eventually developed trust and became a Tzu Chi volunteer. She encouraged the audience to join the ranks of Great Love, just as she did. Hearing her story, care recipient Karen Wong reflected, “Everyone encounters Tzu Chi for different reasons. Sister Sook Fun shows us how she uses her healthy body to reciprocate.” In the new year, Karen hopes to contribute within her means, starting with bamboo bank donations.
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As the event drew to a close, attendees gathered to enjoy a heartwarming reunion meal before heading home with festive gift sets – ushering in the Lunar New Year with blessings of peace and joy.
