What I learned from charity work

Writer: Zheng Mei Jiao

Sin Chew, Feb 16, 2016

During the Chinese New Year, one of the busiest groups of people was the volunteers. I asked them how they feel when they give their time and efforts to help other people. They replied they felt happier and they had also learned to be grateful. And I believe the most meaningful part of doing charity is growing up in the heart and soul.

There were residents in old folks’ homes not taken home to celebrate the New Year. Their family members may have no choice. But in the company of volunteers, they had at least forgotten their loneliness. The volunteers gave them hope and optimism, and healed their hurts.

Those volunteers during the New Year reminded me that a kind heart is worth more than gold. Charity protects the human race and brings joy to mankind. A kind heart is like the sun that gives us warmth. This is especially true for those old folks without their family members. The care and love given by these volunteers have filled their emptiness. Those volunteers said they were blessed in the company of parents and siblings and in turn, they bless others – like the sun that gives out light and warmth.

When we work and save hard to pursue our own lifestyle, we want just to be happy and take control of our lives. We should know that as we do charity work, we are actually building up positive energy. Thus, if there is such thing as fate, charity work would direct us to happiness.

Philanthropists give generously to charity, or make efforts to make charity work even better. Many businessmen also realize the importance of doing charity and ensuring better use of resources. They make society function better because charity brings positive impact to mankind.

We have seen huge response to campaigns in making contributions to old folks’ homes or orphanages, or education organizations. Those individuals or businesses doing charity have their invisible rewards, either enhancing their social image or their own cultural level. Many more people will not wait until they are well off to do charity. They invest time and energy to do charity and are rewarded spiritually.

During the New Year, we only care about having a new hair-do, having a manicure, buying new dress or changing a pair of new shoes, or even held spring cleaning. In fact, as we usher in the New Year, we must also do a spiritual renewal. Civilization may not give us a bigger space in our spirit. Instead, fast changing technology may bring about greater stress to all human endeavors.

Charity will provide us the spiritual compass so that our spiritual world would not be taken over by daily chores. From charity work, I became more aware of the worthiness of mankind and the more meaningful distribution of resources.