When I was a child, I remember seeing a big panda donation
box for WWF in the supermarket that I used to go. When I was taking my PMR, I was so desperate
to score that I made a secret wish to donate RM100 to the panda if I could get a
full distinction. My daily pocket money was RM1.50 during that time. I have
even thought of a strategy to do this, which is donating small amount of money everytime
I go till it hit my targeted amount.
And surprisingly, I did get straight A’s!!!!! and I wasn’t
even a very bright student. Power of the panda??!! I started to drop in 50
cents to the panda box whenever I go to the supermarket. Then sometimes, after
pacing back and forth in front of the panda, and requiring a lot of courage, I
would drop in RM2 while gasping for air. Due to my kiamsiap-ness, I have stopped
donating after a year and I think my donation didn’t reach RM30. Sorry panda, I
was 16.
That was my first experience in donating money to the charity. Fast
forward many years later, I still do donate money as I feel that with all the
blessings that I have, I should contribute back to the society even I could
only afford peanut money. I became a child sponsor. As my kiamsiap-ness has not
changed a lot since I was 16, sometimes I still pull a handbrake or I would
replace donation with volunteering.
As I have now seen children who are sick, weak and are
tormented by poverty, I’ve vowed to continue donating as long as I have a roof on
my head and food on my table.
And if I have functional hands and legs, I would volunteer
to help the less unfortunate ones who are crippled by poverty.
If you are reading this, I would really urge that you could
take action to help others. You do not have to donate your kidney or your 1
month salary to the charity of your choice. If you could just donate even USD1,
that would be enough for the meal of a child who have not eaten for 3 days.
YOU, can make a difference to people and children who are desperate for help.
Otherwise, you could just use my most loved reason for NOT donating if anyone
asked.
NOT ENOUGH MONEY, (insert
your preferred answer below)
I am still a student.
I just started working and I am struggling to make ends
meet.
(After a few years..)
No money la, you think living in KL easy ah? I am vomiting
money every month for my parent, my car, my girlfriend, my cat, my loan, my
slimming program, blah blah..
Need to save to buy house.
Need to save for marriage.
Milk powder and mamy poko is expensive.
Need to send kids to college.
(Too many years later…)
Almost retiring already la, I need $$ for my old age.
At the funeral…(no need to say already.)
Helping others makes you a happier person, don't you agree?
