The No Money Charity

Volunteerism is not new but could provide the missing dimension to one's life.

I vividly recall a decade ago, starting off as a volunteer for community service did not come naturally to me when I made my first visit to a non-government supported home for the less privileged senior citizens. There was this bed ridden elderly lady who held my hand and wept, telling me how bad her situation was. She was sickly and had to constantly crawl to the toilet wearing knee-pads. Her roommate further described the poverty of her only daughter who hardly visits her and could not afford her medical expenses, which the facility does not provide.

On hearing that, I felt as helpless as she was in realizing I was in no position to improve her lot except to patiently lend her an ear. She spoke for forty-five minutes relating her predicament while I continuously wiped her teary eyes. By the time I had to leave, I could only manage to bring a courtesy smile to her lips.

Thereafter, I often contemplated on what was the significance of the short encounter and could only conclude that I have touched her life during that brief interaction and earned a smile. It led me to understand the deeper aspect of certain human needs that go beyond physical and material boundaries. I needed the experiential learning to feel the reality of it. This 'No Money Charity' has no material rewards, only personal realization and deep inner satisfaction.

So, what was my outlay? A few Ringgit worth of petrol, my time and the desire to make this world a better place to live.