THE gift of charity goes a long way and Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia celebrates this act of kindness annually on Oct 13.
Its commissioner in Penang Datuk Khoo Boo Leong said that Oct 13 is a significant day for the society worldwide.
“It is a day for all the Tzu Chi branches and chapters to have a fundraising drive to encourage everyone to give to charity.
“Tzu Chi founder Ven. Master Cheng Yen had initiated the ‘1013’ global movement in the year 2001 after the Sept 11 terrorist attack in the United States.
“The global initiative is to mark Oct 13, or 1013, which is synonymous with the Chinese pronunciation of ‘yi ren yi shan’ (which means one person, one act of kindness).
“Since then, Tzu Chi volunteers would go to the streets to inspire people to give to charity with its slogan ‘yi ren yi shan, yuan li zai nan’ (one person one act of kindness to keep calamities away).
“However, since the Covid-19 hit us in Penang, we have adopted online fundraising. This is the second year that we are adopting online fundraising instead of going to the streets,” Khoo said when contacted today.
Khoo said the people could donate to charity throughout the year and not only on Oct 13.
He added that this year, the society in Penang was touched when frontliners in the state were supporting the ‘1013’ movement and contributing back to the society.
“We have been helping the frontliners in the battle against Covid-19, and now, the frontliners are giving back to the community by donating to charity,” he said.
Khoo also advised the people to stay healthy by consuming more vegetables and fruits and eating less meat.
“Spread love and compassion,” he said.
Those who wish to contribute to the society can donate to its accounts:
Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia
Malayan Banking Berhad
Account num: 507013126489
Or
Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia
Public Bank Berhad
Account num: 3102212517
For more details, call the society’s donation department at 04-228 1013.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia (Penang)