A Near Perfection Charitable Visit

The first most important task before reporting this Charitable visit is to Thank The Almighty God for allowing us the great weather in order for us to complete this mission to Bentong!

For the record, we have received a further RM100.00 donation from Mr Lim Ah Heng on the departure day and also stationery sets from Ms Nicole.

There were many amazing moments throughout the journey, and I shall let the pictures do the talking:~

This is the T-Shirt worn by all participants and was sponsored by Ms Tai Sook Yee


The early morning shower of blessing made us bundled up all the goodies

It was bright and shinny arriving Batu Caves, everyone feels like warming up
to the 272 steps....

On the right is our Spiritual Leader, aka Mr Ngo Chong Let who help raised a substantial sum
close to RM6,000.00 and to his left is Mr Khoo Liang Eng, also a very kind and supportive friend who brought his family along to this visit

My group of lovely nephew, children, girl friend and sister-in law

My beloved brother, Yap Yin Hong with his three handsome and eligible princes

Eldest brother Yin Hoong and his wife Su, with daughter Jasmine, third brother Yin Hong
and his son Yang

Three regular faces in charity events, from right Yong Chee Kin, Bor Ngee Wha and K.C. Yap

Mr & Mrs Lau Beng Chiang and his family with Mr Lai Teck Keong at the background

Mr Lai Teck Keong and Mr Ten Kum Hong

Mr Lim Ah Heng, joined us at the eleventh hour, welcome on board my old friend

Program briefing

Mr Lai taking attendance

One happy family, Mr Steven Kok and family

Another big hearted friend, Mr Seow Pooi Kee

Sister-in law Ms Tai Sook Yee and my little sweetie, Valerie

All time supporter, more than Manchester United fans, she is non other than
our Sifu, Mdm Choong Sai Moi

mmmm...Datin....Cindy Chow and Irene Kon

Everyone, unload red colour ribbon packages only, save the
green ones for the children centre

Inculcating loving, kindness and sharing from young, this is a classic leadership by example

Never fail to turn up each time we organise the trip, Steven and his pretty wife, Penny with lovely children

Mr Bor and wife Karin and lovely Alvyna

Valerie and best friend, Alvy

Notice the sofa at the background? It was your generosity that the old folks get to enjoy

Getting ready to sing Theresa Teng all times favorites

Mr Leong, the Deputy Chairman to Bentong Old Folks Home delivering his welcome speech

In his breaking up voice, this uncle wish to say thank you on behalf of his friends and also prayed for peace to the world before we sing Birthday song to everyone who celebrate birthday in May

Is gifts time

Our spiritual leader, Mr Ngo Chong Let and his son, Chi Chao
daughter, Xing Ying

Busy selecting their reading glasses

Mr Ngo presenting our donation to the old folk home, cheque received on behalf
by Mr Leong

Although he can't see and can't walk properly, and yet he is willing to participate
in our group photography

Some folks cannot join us, I don't have to explain why
but this one is certainly memorable to all

Next stop, Pusat Pemulihan Harian Kanak-kanak Istimewa
Kg.Perting


Due to narrow lanes in the village, buses stopped us some 500m
from the centre

Yang and Hang, is time to tone up your muscles right?




The centre chairman, Mr Daniel See giving his welcoming speech

These are the souvenirs for sale, our participants were most
enthusiastic over the purchase

This smile, is priceless

Ngo Xing Ying and her friends

From left, June Hwang, Irene Kon and Cindy Chow

My lovely grown-ups , Villi and Vivian
The centre teachers are singing us the song
感恩有你, very touching



Cheque presentation by our Representative, Ms Tai Sook Yee to
Mr Daniel See, looking on is Teacher Ms Yong

An appreciation acknowledgment from the centre

Credit to Nicole for sponsoring additional stationery on the very day before we depart
The children were overwhelmed by the gifts!

Is lunch time, at SHL Restaurant
Meal Sponsored by Mr Yap Yin Hong
and
Ice Cream Sponsored by Vivian and Villi

Arrival at the Buddhist Dharma University, we were received by
宗严法师, 宗度学师， 宗立法师 及 宗依法师

So blessed...Tek Yeh and Yap Yang

Is nap time...poor daddy

An ever cheerful 宗严法师 with us

Serene environment for meditation

宗严法师 giving us her welcoming briefing of the
Buddhist Dharma University

Our contribution to Buddhist Dharma Uni, represented by Mr Khoo Liang Eng
and receive on behalf by 宗严法师

Personal contribution by Mdm June Hwang

Appreciation from Buddhist Dharma University
Mission Accomplished. God Bless all of you, My dear Friends!

The True Spirit of Giving - Happy Wesak Day

The Buddha taught that when we give to others, we give without expectation of reward. We give without attaching expectation to either the gift or the recipient. We practice giving to release greed and self-clinging. Wisdom teaches us that there is giving and receiving, but there are no givers and no receivers.

I have learned that in Japan, when monks carry out traditional alms begging, they wear huge straw hat that partly obscure their faces. The hat also prevent them from seeing the faces of those giving them alms. No giver, no receiver; this is pure giving.


Our visit to Bentong Old Folks Home and Pusat Harapan Kampong Perting for the Mentally & Physically Disabled Children is just two days after Wesak Day. With the hearts that practising the essence of true Buddha basic teaching of loving kindness, our group members have really lived up to the spirit of GIVING. I congratulate you, my friends, who come unreservedly in donating your cash and kind in making this trip a huge success.

Records below shows:

1. A total of cash RM13,357.40 was collected and the money was channeled into buying items required by the homes i.e. furnitures, computer, gifts for the old folks and children and as well as making cash donations to the respective homes.



2. The total estimated value of contribution in-kind and sponsorship is at RM5,000.00 including groceries, projector, 29" TV, Microwave, T-shirts and Lunch sponsored by generous donors.

We have achieved the highest contribution this round. But, no one has so far come asking me how is the fund being utilised or where and how are we distributing the donated items?

I must tell you something, my friends, that I truly enjoyed doing this work that help spread love around and most importantly, I enjoy having you as my friend, a practising Buddha。

Happy Wesak Day and lets have a wonderful time in Bentong. Cheers~

Mid Way Thru - Charitable Visit to Bentong

Bentong is a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and streams. Everyone from the city would want to come to this place for a break.

We ordered our cakes at a local bakery, lunch at Restaurant SHL and Ice Cream! Yes, the ever famous hand-made ice cream in Bentong, no you don't have to go to the shop, they send to Restaurant SHL so that we could save our time, wonderful idea isn't it?
This is Kow Po, the "must-stop" for day tripper, to savor its ice kacang and chendol topped with ice cream. Closed when we came for the recci, how disappointed!

This time is a 'mega project' indeed.

Never in my wildest dream that this Bentong visit will raise so much funds and attracted so overwhelming response from everyone. A record breaking donation was from Ms Janice (Mr Goh HF family) who called me up from Kepong after reading thru this blog and decided to partake in this drive by contributing cash to our funds. Thank you Janice for giving us your support and you certainly have a BIG heart! and we really hope to meet with you and your family together in Bentong.

Apart from our usual group of friends and relatives, our Spiritual Leader, aka Mr Ngo Chong Let has led his side of the fund raising and managed to bring the total sum to a new high, which comes to a total of RM11,970.00 and counting! The list of generous contributors updated as at 12 May 2010 is as follows (please click on worksheet to enlarge):


People are not only donating their cash, food and usable items, most of them had wanted to join in the visit. With more than 20 cars to form the entourage, I think I should better hire a bus to off load some of the coordination works.

So, we are half-way thru now with all preparation work and are expecting more donations to come with final details to discuss with relevant parties, i.e ordering of food, games, purchasing of furnitures for the old folks home and another site visit before everyone goes on the road.

Once again, BRAVO my comrades and buddies, the unfortunates are so blessed by your generousity, kindness and love for others! May you be well and healthy always!

Charitable Visit to Bentong, Pahang

This time, we have identified 2 homes located some distance away from Kuala Lumpur. Yes, they are located in Bentong, Pahang.

Bentong is not very far, it is a mere 50km away from Kuala Lumpur, which will take you less than an hour's leisure drive to the destination.

Last Thursday, we took a day off to check-out the needs and condition of both the places and spoke to both of the Person-In-Charge. We were given a wish-list each and I pray and hope that we could fulfill their needs come this 30th May 2010 when we meet them again.

So, would you want to join us on this meaningful trip and help out the underprivileged? Donate if you may, or participate with your family and friends to spread the joy around.

Home 1
Pusat Pemulihan Harian Kanak-Kanak Istimewa
(Pusat Harapan Kampong Perting for the Mentally & Physically Disabled Children)
JKR 351, Kampong Perting, 28700 Bentong
Tel: 09-2222160
Contact Person : Mr Daniel See

Wish-list
1. A projector
2. Food items
3. Donation in cash to help out the extra activities conducted by the centre

Mr See was briefing us the history of the centre with Puspa, his assistant
and Mr Lim, our Bentong friend listening attentively

Pictures of the children in the centre

A Chinese Calligraphy donated by Master Hui Hai from Dharma Buddhist University, Bentong
A Place we are trying to include in our itinerary if possible and it is subject to consent and confirmation of arrangements with the said University

Home 2
Rumah Orang Tua Bentong
No:60, Batu 1, Jalan Tras
28700 Bentong, Pahang
Tel: 09-2234845
Contact Person : Mr Liew Chow Yin

Wish-list :
1. Sofa settee ( 1 set)
2. Low cabinet with locker ( 20 pcs)
3. Can Food, Milo, Milk Powder, Rice, Oil and general groceries
4. Usable household items, clothing, electrical items

Mr Liew Chow Yin，the Person-in-charge

Mr Liew was seen briefing our group on the needs of the home

Toilet next to the kitchen

This reminds me of the type of kitchen used during our Grand-ma era

Who is to lit up the fire? The question that popped up in everyone's mind

This old folk was placed in this kitchen-convert room that is not so comfortable
especially in the afternoon heat

The more comfortable area for the male

Only 3 ladies are in-house, watch what is placed underneath the lazy chair

Common dining hall, no fan and near to the extended zink sheets
which brought much heat on this hot sunny afternoon

You are welcome to join us on this visit, with the following details:

Proposed Date : 30th May 2010
Proposed Time : 10am
Venue Meet Up: Gombak Toll (First toll after Gombak heading to Genting Highlands)
Items required : Donation in kind / cash / Re-usable and good condition household items
Bring along : Your children, family members and friends
Transport : Your own vehicle
Meal: Lunch sponsored
Target time to arrive back in Kuala Lumpur : 5pm


Please contact : Jenny Yap at 012-3704884 should you need further information.

See ya!

IF ONLY THEY COULD SPEAK...

Please pass this on and share: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rsmb2q-ytc4&feature=player_embedded




~Abortion is murder in the womb...A child is a gift of God. If you do not want him, give him to me.
Mother Teresa

Shepherd Centre Foundation

Met with Mr Clement on arrival

These are Mr Clement's well trained assistants

Happy with the food and stationeries

Extend your helping hands, please

Following are the pictures courtesy of Shepherd's Centre Foundation Homepage

LIFE IN RINCHING, SEMENYIH

Went to the Shepherd's Centre Foundation for an unscheduled visit recently. Caught up with Mr Clement with some of the senior boys chit-chatting outside the centre, apparently they had just completed the Good Friday celebration and all the kiddos had gone back to their respective dorms to rest.

Unloaded a box of cookies for the children breakfast and also brought some stationeries given by Villi, my son to the home.

I went on to the office and made a small donation and was briefed by Mr Clement that the centre is currently housing 100 children including 3 children who are terminally ill.

Till today, making ends meet at the Shepherd's Centre is still a challenge. RM60,000 per month is the bare mininum to defray the centre's overhead costs. Medical expenses, food items, rentals and vehicle maintenance are the main expenditures.

It was at this point, Mr Clement updated me about their 'new centre' which is located at Rinching, Semenyih. Opened about 3 years ago, this centre comprises of two single storey houses of which one is on rental and the other one was donated by a kind samaritan (in term of supporting the rental for 10 years), according to Mr Clement.

The Rinching home accommodates boys under the Skill Training Program.

With the guidance of Pastor Jacob, the boys have turned the place into a small farm by rearing fishes and planting vegetables, supplying to a portion of the centre's daily needs and help to lighten the burden of the foundation.

To illustrate a simple example, a small "Ikan Kembong", the centre needs 100 pieces of "Ikan Kembong" for one meal to feed each of the 100 children at the centre, what if some of them wants to eat more? As such, the idea of self-sustained living was mooted to ease the increasingly straining financial of the centre and at the same time keeping the children occupied with a positive way of life, says Mr Clement.

Through the pictures courtesy of the Shepherd's Centre Foundation homepage, I saw the children at Rinching are full of life. Since our charity drive is up and about, let us join hands together and work something out for these underprivileged children.

Will you be interested to join me for a visit there in May?

****************************************************************************
To contact :

SHEPHERD'S CENTRE FOUNDATION
20, Taman Aik Ann, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Foster home: No.23, Jln.Besar, Tmn. Hiew Piew, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel: +603-87231213 / 6770, Fax: +603-87234243, H/P: 0192662525

or

23, Jalan 3/2, Phase 3, Bandar Rinching, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan

Qing Ming 2010 - Loving Memories Never Die

As years roll on and days pass by
In my heart a memory is kept
Of one I loved and will never forget.

I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new
I thought about you yesterday and days before that too,
I think of you in silence. I often speak your name
All I have are memories and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part
God has you in His keeping, I have you in my heart.

I will miss you
How much I cannot say
I'll hold you here in my heart
Until we meet again someday.

Mum and sis, I miss you oh so much!

Life... so frail

The following is an excerption from mysinchew.com which I would like to share with you:

In the face of the vast open sea, life could be such a vulnerable thing.

No one can smell disasters!

Several brisk and vibrant students from Chung Ling High School, just about to give off their brightest sparks in life, were stealthily swept into the sea all of a sudden.

Their parents were wailing in utter desperation.

They were young and bright, and their future totally promising. But why did they have to make such a hasty passage through this impermanent world?

- - -

Powerful quake jolted the Caribbean state of Haiti.

In only 45 seconds, the earth cracked, and hundreds of thousands of impoverished islanders were buried in the rubble.

The disaster zone was turned into an instant hell on earth.

Pictures of victims lying in the rubble, feebly moaning or loudly yelling for help, were blasted across the globe.

We are rendered completely helpless in the face of the gruesome natural calamity.

- - -

Friends around me asked for the contacts of the families of Penang's dragon boat victims. They were prepared to offer a word of comfort and encouragement, or perhaps some advice or assistance.

In shopping malls, we saw volunteers from Tzu Chi Foundation setting up booths and putting up banners to call for public donations for Haitian quake victims.

While their offerings are small, their loves are immense. Be it just a word of solace or some financial offerings, each caring gesture is an act of great benevolence.

While the Nature is merciless, love abounds in this world. The Buddhist Scripture says we should share the grief of others, and help deliver others from their afflictions.

Master Hsing Yun has said, while life is such profound and unfathomable, it is nothing more than just two very simple issues: life and death. And the value of "life" is nothing more than just "love" and "appreciation."

Life does not begin only at birth; neither does it end with death.

Life has no beginning nor ending, and we don't need to sweat over petty stuffs in life at times.

Because of love, life is thriving and we have our existence. This is what we should appreciate in particular.

- - -

When life departs, we must be able to part with it, and learn to let go so that the deceased could be emancipated and rest in peace.

Master Yin Shun spent almost his entire life in all kinds of ailments. And ailments had become some sort of a norm in his life.

Such experience had moulded the Master's own perception of Death:

"Death, is like a not so well acquainted friend. His arrival is most definitely unwelcome, but we need not treat it in disdain either."

Those who have seen the Japanese movie The Departure will perhaps come to the realisation that Death could actually be such a tender experience.

The lead role in the movie was a musician who was compelled to become an undertaker after his band was dissolved.

Many people may think that life is a joyful thing while death a deplorable encounter. However, the undertaker's duty is to make provisions for the deceased to depart in peace, and the living to send off their loved ones in calmness.

Face it, accept it, manage it, and let it go.

This is how we can hold life in esteem in its concluding moments.

(By TAY TIAN YAN/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)

Earth Hour 2010

You can support Earth Hour by:

1. Turning off your lights at 8.30PM on March 27
2. Pledge your support towards Earth Hour 2010!
3. Showing your support and adding yourself to our world map
4. Adding Earth Hour widgets, logos and banners to your blog or website to help us spread the word
5. Download e-cards and send them to your friends & family or share it on your social network
6. Download the poster pack and posters* especially designed by Vine House Productions and spread the word to colleagues, business partners, friends and family.
7. Talking about Earth Hour in your social network by updating your Social Network grabbing a Twibbon, tweeting about your support, and more
8. Get together with your friends and family, by hosting an Earth Hour party or holding your own candlelit affair
9. Rally your local council or community group to run an Earth Hour event for your community
10. Encourage your employer and workmates to take part in Earth Hour and make energy savings every day
11. Make an Earth Hour Lantern as a symbol of hope for the future

Log into : EARTH HOUR MALAYSIA

Organ Donation - A Gift of Life

If you are free this coming Saturday, 27th March 2010, spare just a morning to come and listen from the recipients their experience of before and after the organs they received from kind donors.

You don't necessary have to become a donor after attending this program, just lend your ears and heart to show your support, and help spread the awareness.

I know you care to know more ...

Contact : Ms Sarah at 017-3405685