A Zoo Trip With An Orphanage

29 September 2012  -  A memorable day which the kids and their minders from Pusat Jagaan Beribuan Kasih Kajang will never forget for a long, long time.  This was their first outing to Zoo Negara and later was told by the Caretaker that this was also their only outing since this Home was set up 6 years ago.  The idea to bring them to Zoo Negara was conceived about 2 months ago when during one of our visits, Kavitha (the Caretaker) mentioned that her kids had never been out on an outing before.  Somehow, Zoo Negara popped into mind and after getting Hubby’s agreement, we told Kavitha our plan.

Things fell into place smoothly with support coming in from kind-hearted friends.  Along the way, made some new friends – wonderful people who went out of their way to assist us upon learning our plan.  Hubby’s colleagues pledged to sponsor the bus and lunch.  Mr Chandra who sponsored the lunch even brought his family along on that day.  A 44-seater luxury bus was secured by my dear sister and the Bus Company's owner even did his bit by sponsoring dinner at Old Town White Coffee, another first for these kids.  A family friend who brought her family along for the trip also made some contribution.  Not forgetting my FB friend, Madam Lee SP and her hubby - angels who took time out of their busy schedule just to meet us at the Zoo to deliver snacks to the kids.

Thus, the date was set on 29 September 2012.  With the helpful assistance from Zoo Negara’s Customer Relation Manager, Encik Helmie, we purchased the tickets a week beforehand at a discounted price.   We also bought the Zoo’s Goodie Bag containing animal caps and notebooks for the kids for keepsake and arranged lunch inside the Zoo.  The Manager of the Wild Restaurant, Encik Amran is another kind soul who gave us discount on the food.  The Old Town White Coffee outlet in Bandar Tasik Selatan, upon learning that our guests for dinner are from an Orphanage also offered us some discount. 

The Goodie Bag - thoughful gifts from dear Hubby

On the day itself, the bus arrived at the Home at 9.00am and all the 25 kids and 6 caretakers were ready to go.   Getting them into the bus was no trouble at all as they were very disciplined and obedient.  And this same discipline is noted all throughout the trip. 

Wei Wei leading the kids to the Bus

Yeah, we are going to the Zoo

My wonderful tour leader, Winnie and her assistant, Gary

A Group photo was taken before ushering the kids into the Zoo.  Our first destination is the Show Amphitheatre where the Animal Show takes place.  The kids obediently took their seats and waited patiently for the show to start.  Excitement were evident in their faces as they watched the various animals perform their individual skills under their trainer’s instruction. 



Group Photo

Waiting in line at the Entrance



The kids go marching two by two, hurrah hurrah ...



Waiting for the Show to begin ...



The show ended at noon and the kids were then brought to the Wild Restaurant where a section of the Restaurant has been thoughtfully prepared for these kids’ arrival by its owner, Encik Amran.  On the tables, burgers, fried chicken, fries and Coke greeted these kids and they heartily tucked into their lunch. 



Lunch time - courtesy of Mr Chandra



Tucking into Burger, Fried Chicken, Fries n Coke

Little Haresh enjoying his Fried Chicken

After a fulfilling lunch, it was time to burn off the calories and the tour of the Zoo started with my sister and elder son, Gary leading the group.  We stopped occasionally to allow the kids to have closer look at the animals, ask questions and take some photos.  Being first time experience for these kids, their curiosity and questions were endearingly refreshing.  After walking for 2 hours, Uncle Chew threw in another treat for the kids – Ice-Cream.  We stopped at the Wall's Ice-cream kiosk and the Manager of the outlet upon learning that his young customers of the day were from an Orphanage, kindly gave us some discount on the ice-cream.  We finished the rest of the tour around 4pm and before leaving  the Zoo, the kids were brought to a Souvenir shop where the Owner has generously prepared small gifts for them. 

Jacinta is a great help with Little Gishan

Feeding the elephants - one of the highlight of the day for these kids

 

Armed with goodies and happy memories, the happy but tired group boarded the bus, but the party is not over yet.  The bus took us to Bandar Tasik Selatan where we had earlier booked dinner at the Old Town White Coffee outlet.  The awe on the kids faces is evident as they have never dine is such places before.  Even though dinner was just a simple Nasi Lemak and Ice-Lemon Tea but the atmosphere and service rendered by the staff made them feel like VIPs. 

A first for the kids - dining at a restaurant like this

Food may be simple but the ambience makes a whole difference

Kavitha enjoying a relaxing moment with her daughter

Finally, we reached the Home around 7pm.  It was heartwarming to see each kid thank the bus driver as they alight the bus one by one.  A simple gesture done sincerely out of their hearts, without being prompted or instructed. 

As I told Hubby, this has to be the best Zoo Trip I've ever been to, and it would not have been possible without the support from dear friends. To all who contributed meals, treats, snacks and most importantly your heart, towards this trip, my deepest appreciation and heartfelt thanks to you all.  Know that the few hours of your time which you have given up today has brought bountiful happiness to these kids and the lasting memories which will stay with them for a long time. 

Bringing Mid-Autumn Cheer to Old Folks and Orphans

15 September 2012  -  With Mid-Autumn Festival just around the corner, Hubby and I decided to bring some mooncakes to the old folks at Persatuan Rumah Warga Emas Klang.  We arrived just in time for their tea-time and Hubby took up the task of cutting the mooncakes while sons and I served them to the elderly folks.  The Chinese welcomed it with a sense of déjà vu and even the Indians seem enjoy it as well and asked for seconds.  Hubby's generosity ensured that all had their fill and even some extras to keep the next day. It sank upon us that most elderly folks in the Home has lost their sense of time and dates, judging from the Chinese uncles’ reaction, who claim that they are unaware it is already the eight lunar month and Mid-Autumn festival will be celebrated in a fortnight’s time.

Surprisingly, most of the elderly folks there have remarkably good memory in other areas, such as they can remember us, the last time we visited and what we brought for them.  Few uncles remarked that we have not visited them for some time already, our last visit should be in June. A few, upon seeing us, asked for “pau”, which is what we brought on our last visit.  Most remembered Hubby for the minyak angin and tiger balm he gave them and one by one approached him for it.  As usual, Hubby’s stock ran out fast but being the kind-hearted guy he is, he went out to a nearby shop to get some more because he did not want to disappoint any of them.  Even the usually prickly uncle has warmed up to us and reached out his hands to greet us, a very encouraging sign indeed.  Soon, he got Hubby engaged in a one-sided conversation like old friends … one-sided cause Hubby couldn’t understand him at all, haha.

One elderly uncle who was admitted to the Home few days before our last visit due to a serious road accident which left him with broken arms and legs, happily informed us that he just had the screws on his hand and leg removed but the steel plate is still intact.  There was also a grim news that greeted us as one of the elderly uncle suffered a stroke relapse which rendered him partially paralysed.  The Caretaker herself is not spared from pains and aches due to old age and finding it increasingly tiring to take care of these elderly folks, but luckily she still has a daughter to help her out and the able-bodied elderly folks will also lend a hand in taking care of the others.

Taking a backseat for a moment, I watched the elderly folks pass their time, some chit-chatting with each other, some sitting alone, the expressions on their faces held loneliness and sadness.  Whenever I bade my farewell to them, I will caress their faces and give them a hug, seemingly small gesture but one I hope could just give them some small comfort.

16 September 2012  -  Malaysia Day, a day for Malaysians, what better way to celebrate this than remembering the abandoned and the forgotten citizens of this country?  Thus, we set out to send few bags of rice and mooncakes to Pusat Jagaan Beribuan Kasih in Kajang. 

The kids had just returned from the temple and despite having a full stomach, they still went for the mooncakes we brought.  They too seem to love it.  There is an elderly Japanese lady there, who is unable to walk or eat without assistance, who looks so happy each time we visit.  As I fed her a piece of mooncake, tears stream down her face ... the saltiness of tears mingled with the sweetness of the mooncake - a sad combination indeed.

These past two years have changed my outlook on life a lot ... I know for sure that on Mid-Autumn Festival night, as I gaze at the full moon, watching my kids play with lanterns, my mind will wander off to these people... 

Merdeka Day's Visit - The Kids, The Elderly and The Repentant

31 August 2012  -  On this day, when Malaysians celebrate Independence day and rejoice in their freedom, there are others out there bound by pitiful circumstances – poverty, ailing health, drug addiction which resulted in kids ending up in Orphanages,  the elderly placed or left at Old Folks Homes and drug addicts checking into drug rehabilitation centres.  Today, we and some friends spent an eventful afternoon visiting 3 Homes/Centres in the above 3 categories; an Orphanage, a soon-to-be opened Old Folks Home and a Drug Rehabilitation Centre. 

~ ~ ~ The Orphanage ~ ~ ~

 

Our visit to the Orphanage, St Barnabas Home in Klang was a planned event by 1Month 1Charity, its mission to deliver groceries and for Chew, a chance to re-connect with the kids which he had already made acquaintance before.  On this trip, we were joined by another 1M1C member, Tony, Chew’s brother and nephew, and my sister, Winnie. 

Upon arrival, we were met by the Caretaker, Mr George and after brief introduction, led us into the ground floor of this four-storey building.  George went on to explain that this portion of the building is being used as an education centre for the Rohingya refugee kids, with monthly sponsorship of RM1000 by the Church for the food and teacher’s allowance.

We then climbed few flights of stairs in order to get to the living quarters of the kids, all 19 of them, housed in the 3rd and 4th floor of the building.  These kids, mostly orphans, with few from single-parent families are a well-behaved and charming lot.  After the kids' shy and candid self-introduction, George related some of these kids’ plight to us, which always tug at our heartstrings no matter how many Orphanages we have visited or how many similar stories we have heard.  As George briefed, our eyes wandered to the respective kids, hearts going out to them but on the other hand, thankful that they are not left out in the streets to fend for themselves but instead blessed enough to end up in a better living condition.  With the Home’s guidance and support in their education, hopefully they can carve a brighter future for themselves. 

The Building

The Delivery

The Ground Floor which is utilised as education centre

The Caretaker, Mr George

The shy and well-mannered kids

~ ~ ~ Home For The Elderly ~ ~ ~

Moving on, our next stop came about from reading the Star’s article on a  soon-to-be opened Home for the Elderly, which happened to be located nearby.  Hence, we decided to drop by to have a look and identify the needs of this Home, if there is any.  Canaan Caring Home is a nursing home for the elderly set up by Persatuan Rumah Caring Kajang, but the responsibility to run this place will be taken up by Mr Andrew Ng, a man who broke free from the bondage of drugs years ago and found his mission in life, helping others in the same situation to live a new life and now, dedicating his life to taking care of the elderly  This 4-bedroom Semi-D unit, rented at RM1000 per month is situated in a quieter part of Klang’s housing area.  It is equipped to comfortably housed 16 residents, the interior renovation and fittings all thoughtfully designed with the elderly in mind.  The back of the Semi-D has been extended to serve as an open Kitchen and dining area.  The extra land at the side are planted with vegetables, for own consumption and surplus for sale.  Andrew briefed that residents of this Home will be made up of both paying-residents and non-paying residents (for those without family members).

At the time of our visit, this place is already equipped with beds, mattresses, furnitures, most of the necessary electrical appliances and just lacking some smaller items, odds and ends before opening its doors to take in residents.

A typical bedroom

The bathroom with the handle bars and anti-slip floor tiles

The open air concept Kitchen & Dining Area

One of the Vegetable Plot

~ ~ ~ Drug Rehabilitation Centre ~ ~ ~

Our third stop was on a chance invitation by Andrew himself who also helps out at the Drug Rehabilitation Centre a stone’s throw away from Canaan Caring Home.  Cornerstone Drug Rehabilitation Centre is a Christian non-profit Drug Rehabilitation Organisation with mission to reach out to drug addicts and help them overcome their addiction with the power of religion.

Using the time-proven but seemingly harsh method of going “Cold Turkey”, a term used for total withdrawal of drugs for a period of days, before moving them on to the next rehabilitation phase. Complemented by spiritual guidance and instilling in them the Christian values, this Centre will equip them with vocational skills to help them adapt to Society.  Upon completion of the 18-month rehabilitation programme, the inmates are encouraged to look for jobs but advised to remain staying in the Centre for a period of time.  This is to avoid relapse which tend to occur for newly-released inmates who may face problem going back to society or mixing with the old crowd.  Thus, it is better for them to stay in a support group until their mind and spirit is strong enough to face the world on their own.

This Centre, situated on a 3-acre land has its own organic vegetable farm and vocational workshop.  We were given a tour of the vegetable farm, which delighted our city-bred kids cause being so close to nature.  The weather was accomodating and the peace and tranquility is a total contrast to the scenes that greet us daily. 

As it was getting late, we decided to call it a day and after bidding farewell to Andrew, we left with best wishes for Andrew on his new venture.

St. Jude's Home - A Home for the Homeless

28 July 2012  -  With the recent highlight on the homeless and the controversy on soup kitchens and feeding programs, we and our good friend, Chew from 1Month1Charity found ourselves at a Home in Shah Alam, that meets both the needs for food and shelter for the homeless. Pusat Jagaan Warga Tua St Judes was founded in 2009 by Father Paul Monash and takes in the homeless found loitering in the streets, those abandoned by their family and even patients referred by the local General Hospital. Some with memory loss, some mentally-ill, stroke victims and even those spurned by society, St. Jude’s Home open its arms to them all.  It is currently run by Mr Ravi and his wife, and sustaining on the kind generosity of the public.  A church pays for the rental of their premise; a single-storey corner house where there are about 32 people living in packed condition. Apart from the elderly folks, Mr Ravi has also taken in 4 kids, abandoned by their families and cared for them just like his own. 

We dropped by a Wholesale Market on the way to the Home and due to 1M1C’s generous contribution, ended up with 3 trolleyful of wet and dry grocery, vegetables, diapers, detergent etc.  An additional 10 cartons of eggs and some stationery items, contributed by two of Hubby’s colleagues, along with 10 sponge cakes - treats from Hubby completed the day’s delivery.  Not to be left out are our kids’ “Goodie Bag” containing snacks, chocs and lollipops, which never fail to bring smiles of glee from the children.

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Mr Ravi and his wife.  With the help of a few of the Home's residents, our two SUV’s load ended up in the porch in no time at all. 



After the initial formalities, we were given a short tour around the place by Mr Ravi.  Due to the heavy cooking, the kitchen is located outside the house. The interior of the house is bare of furniture except for the master bedroom and the living room area, where beds are placed to cater for the sick and invalid.  A few well-used donated couches placed in the porch area served as their living room.  The other rooms are bare except for some woven mats. Mr Ravi explained that these old folks have incontinence problem and often soil their mattresses which are tedious to wash and dry.



The Kitchen



The Living Room



The Porch Area

A small plot of idle land at the side of the house was cleared away and turned into a small vegetable garden.  Chicks and ducklings are reared within the compound of the house.

Little Chicks



Little Ducklings



The Vegetable Garden



We were given a brief description of each of the resident’s health condition and how they ended up there.  Majority of the residents which were picked up from the streets, the rest are either abandoned by their kids or even their husbands. The kids were left there by parents who never went back.  On a positive note, it was rather heart-warming to see the residents assisting the sick and old with food and drinks.  According to Ravi, everyone looks out for each other here. 

Mr Ravi with a guy who does not even remember his name



Looking forlorn - three ladies who share the same fate of being abandoned

The sunny weather outside is a contrast to the atmosphere within the house, where an air of gloom prevails. The sick and the invalid lay helpless in their beds, the mentally-ill walked aimlessly talking to themselves, the old women sat on the floor staring outside, loneliness etched on their faces, longing for the family members who never return …

St Jude’s Home not only provides shelter and food to these people but it is also a place where the homeless have a place to belong to, where the abused can feel safe and secure, the abandoned gained a new family and the sick well taken care of.  Most importantly, all these people, regardless their age or background are respected, loved and cared for as part of St Jude's big family.

Bread of Life Home in Bahau

7 July 2012  -  We got to know about this Home through one of Hubby’s FB friend who is a regular volunteer at Tong Sim Senior Citizen Centre.  Hence, early Saturday morning saw us taking a scenic drive down to Bahau with the requested items which the Home needs.



Items requested



A special request - school socks to replace the worn out ones

Located in Taman Jempol, Bahau, next to a Mobil petrol station and a stone’s throw away from a prominent secondary school SMK Dato Mansor, finding our way there prove to be a fairly easy task.  Prior to that, we dropped by the town’s KFC restaurant to collect the pre-ordered lunch treats for the Home – 30 packets of their Snack Plates with side orders of Potato Wedges.

The Lunch

On arrival, the scene that greeted us was a pleasant surprise - a single-storey bungalow with ample garden space for the kids to run around, this Home painted in white, projects a clean and serene ambience.  A marked contrast to most of the ones we visited in the past.  We later found out that this spacious place is being rented to them at RM700 a month only – a steal of a price.

The Premise

This Home was established by Madam Francesca, who moved from Klang Valley to Bahau nine years ago.  Her first base was in Mah San, where she provides free tuition to the estate children there.  She has since helped many people in that area and nearby, counselling the troubled and distressed, providing spiritual guidance and being a friend to all.  She is a strong believer in sharing her blessings with others in need, and does not hesitate to part with whatever surplus that this Home gets on occasions and share it with other Homes.  An Old Folks Home nearby is a regular recipient of her generosity and friendly visits.  She admitted that in the early days of setting up this Home, she has seen hardships too, but by God’s grace, she has been able to overcome them. Therefore, she relates very well to other Homes’ sad predicament and will help them out within her means. Over the years, she has built up a network of friends and generous contributors, regardless their religion or beliefs and whenever she has the chance she will share with them the plight of other Homes who may benefit from their kind generosity.

Madam Francesca, fondly called as "Mummy" by the kids

This Home currently houses 26 women and girls, 15 of them schooling, the rest are toddlers and homeless women who help out as volunteers in the Home.  Due to limitation in rooms, Madam Francesca only accepts girls.  The kids are a lovely and friendly bunch, joyful and well-mannered, a testimony of Madam Francesca’s good guidance and loving care. 

We were informed that currently the Home’s grocery needs are adequately met by kind benefactors and friends, a night-market trader provides the vegetables from his leftover stock, another kind Samaritan drops in with poultry and fish once a month or so.  However, there are still other items needed by the Home such as cleaning detergent, toiletries etc, as well as rental and utility bills to be paid, which Madam Francesca has to struggle to fulfill with whatever little donations she gets.

While the kids tucked into their KFC lunch and later a game of Musical Chair, Madam Francesca shared with us her journey in life, the hardship she suffered, the kind people she met and all the blessings God bestowed on her.  In between running the Bread of Life Home, Madam Francesca also visits other Homes in the vicinity, bringing with her whatever excess the Home has to share with those less fortunate.  Even when she is in the Home, visitors will drop by, seeking advice or comfort from her.

Our visit ended on a different note this time, leaving us with a different and happy feeling.  The kids who arrived there carries painful past or memories, some deeply scarred for life, but under Madam Francesca's patient and loving care, their pain is soothed away, their past slowly left behind and they blossom with confidence. Their faces carry smiles, theirs heart filled with love – this Home provides more than “Bread of Life” to these kids.

Discovering Lotus Charity Care Centre in Semenyih

30 June 2012  -  We stumbled upon this Home while helping our eldest son, Gary to identify a Charity Home for his college’s Moral Education Project.  Gary, sharing the same thinking as us, prefers to help out at one of the needier, lesser known Homes.  Days of Google-ing did not produce the result we seek.  It was Hubby who got this Home’s contact and subsequently called up the Caretaker to obtain more info.  With the Home's name, we were able to do a more detailed search and found out from online forum and few blogs that this Home hardly receive contributions from public due to lack of awareness on their existence.

Situated in Taman Hiew Piow, Semenyih, this Home is run by an Indian couple, Rev. Dr Thomas Manoharan and Mrs Sarah Thomas.  Mrs Sarah Thomas oversees the running of the Home with the help of four volunteers, taking care of 35 residents, comprising of 17 kids and 18 senior citizens.  Out of the 17 kids, 11 of them attend kindergarten and school.  A few of the old folks are confined to bed as they are too old and frail, while others just sit in their chair or move about slowly with walking aids.  The old folks paint a sombre picture in contrast with the cheeriness of the kids. 

Their Premises, a single-storey terrace house, rented at RM1200 per month has a small room for its office which also double-up as bedroom for Mrs Sarah and the babies/toddlers.  Two larger rooms  houses the old men and old women respectively, while another two small ones houses the kids.  A small area adjacent to the house, covered with just an awning roof but no walls, is both their living room and dining room.  During meal times, foldable plastic tables together with plastic chairs, transform this area into their dining room.  However, I do wonder ... what happens when heavy rain splashes in from the uncovered side?  As for the school kids, they do not even have any proper study desk, let alone the luxury of a study room...

The Common Area which the residents spends their waking moments ....

Visitors to this Home are scarce, maybe due to location or its lack of publicity?  Mrs Sarah often finds difficulty in making ends meet with whatever meagre resources this Home gets.  Many a times, she has to set aside her ego and call up some people asking for groceries or foodstuff, sometimes they will oblige but there are also times when Sarah has been "told off" for disturbing them too often. So, it’s not surprising that treats for the kids and old folks here are rare.  KFC and Pizza are once-a-year thing - if they are lucky.  Noting this, we planned to drop in again with these treats for them.

Little Andrew arrived here 2 years ago ...

This 1-year-old cutie was left in this Home by her mother after her father abandoned them



Hubby holding two-week old Little Ambiga, born out of wedlock n abandoned by her father



Uncle spends most of his time dozing off in his lazy-chair, oblivious to the commotion around him

Auntie's "companion" is her wheelchair n perservering cough

As usual, when shopping for grocery items to bring to this Home, our dear Joshua, thoughtfully thrown in some Mamee snacks, lollipops and Apollo cakes for the kids which were snapped up by them eagerly.  It is obvious that they hardly get to enjoy these kind of treats, from the way the suck their lollipops to the last drop and even scoop up the fallen bits of Mamee snack from the floor.  Our regret is, we should have bought more… a lesson we will keep in mind for our future visits.

Yummy

Brother n sister enjoying lollipops

Allow me to peel off the plastic wrapper for you...

Even the Old Uncle (left) and the Mentally-challenged (right) succumb to the temptation of Mamee

We lingered on a while longer even after Gary obtained all the necessary info for his project paper, each of us captivated by the kids’ friendly antics and could not bear to say goodbye so soon…  Before leaving, I took out my notepad and asked each of the kids what gifts they would like, and each of them shyly come up to tell me their heart’s desire.  Cooking set, dolls, doctor set, soft toys are some of the simple requests from the girls while cars, toy pistols, helicopter, watches are on the boys' list.  One of the teenage boy was not at home at that time, but his “brother” did not forget him and ask me if he could request a watch for him on his behalf.  To witness such camaraderie is indeed heartwarming….

One of the gifts Hubby brings to Homes is his time and care



Puzzle time for Joshua n his new friends



Gary has a special touch with babies n toddlers who seem to adore him



Thanks to Gary, we made new friends here which we intend to visit often…  Most Homes may share similar sad tales and background, but looking beyond that, the uniqueness of each Home lies in their residents, be they kids or old folks or the handicapped.  Look beyond the Home’s shabby exterior and you will discover the beauty of the occupants within.  They may be poor in material things but look beyond that and you will be see the richness in their warmth and laughter.