Lending a helping hand

Last Sunday I initiated and led a cleaning campaign on one of the poverty family’s house. But before that day, I made a courtesy call to the village head (Ketua Kampung) regarding our intention. He was certainly on board. But we also discuss a few other ideas and initiative that we will be having later on. He was certainly open to that as well. He has good intention; he genuinely shows that he wants to help. It certainly wouldn’t hurt his reputation either. Afterwards I went to seek the permission of the targeted house occupant’s permission. They weren’t all there but those that were gave us the thumbs up and all is good to go.

That Sunday we all gathered at a mosque opposite the house. Unfortunately only 11 volunteers turn up. But we weren’t about to give up. We decided to go ahead and do what we can. I split the team into 3 groups. One group would clean the kitchen and toilet, another would clean the living room and the rest would clean the common areas. We decided not to touch any of the bed rooms because it’s a private area. They could also have personal and private belongings.

Beside the labour intensive activities, we actually had a good time. My partner in crime was the one of the youngest son in the house. He helps me sort out a lot of the stuff. I also made him carryout chores that he otherwise wouldn’t do. But what’s amazing of all was he did it with a smile. I think we brighten his life on that particular day. The other volunteers had a blast with the baby in the house. She always wanted to be picked up. Her big eyes would light up every time.

We came out of that experience with a good sense of accomplishment. We vow to come back one day during raya and see how they manage to keep up with the cleanliness. We would also be bringing hampers and other raya goods for them.

One particular question that was asked why I had picked that house was because we manage to get one of a major building contractor’s wife who is interested in doing something to help. She was the one that chose that house. So after assessing it, I think she has a pretty good idea of what to do now. I will try to follow up on it.

You can read more about it at the following urls:

http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/mon/sep7h15.htm

http://www.borneobulletin.com.bn/mon/sep7h14.htm

http://www.bt.com.bn/en/home-news/2009/09/07/volunteers-lend-helping-hand-poor-family