FlaGay insights,oops i missed the letter:DMonday, May 21, 2007
Last Saturday, I was involved in the flag day charity drive to raise more funds for a hospital. It was my first flag day and I was rather nervous about it because of the numerous "FRIGHTENING" accounts that I heard. As in really frightening, BOO! The usual complains of exhausted legs, tiring hands and even swollen ankles (level 6 ultimate!) were discouraging to the soul, but I had to experience it for myself. After all, a man got to do what a man got to do. At the very least, I could console myself that I was contributing to the community, and helping the needy patients who could not afford their expensive treatment(unless it's another T.T Durai at their helm).
I started the day with high spirits, clearly affected by the infectious enthusiasm displayed by several of the volunteers. Ask Wei Chung if you don't know what I mean. Some of their smiles exhibited a strong sense of care and love for the unfortunate and it greatly inspired me to contribute my best to this charitable cause. My happiness was enhanced by the fact that the waiting time (for the charity can) was also very short, as apparently there was some shorter line for Hwa Chong students. Some comments of VIP privilege were mentioned, but I largely ignored them. It would be unfair to create a separate, special line just for us but we were not so naive as to believe such random piece of crap. (really no offence to others or their school that suggested this.)
The next task was to decide on the location to carry out our flag day. WC Niam, the conventional "auntie killer" immediately suggested Toa Payoh, no thanks to the high population of aunties shopping/living there. It was quickly agreed upon, as none of us (wc,ps,ck,niam and kg) inherited the evil fickle-minded gene, that recently became a notorious epidemic. With the location settled, we quickly boarded the MRT, and travelled to our destination.
My 4 other mates had a head start while I filled my stomach first. After finishing my breakfast, they already had quite a handful of coins in their cans. Beside, they were spread out quite efficiently and there was little space for me to join the party. WC Niam opted to camp outside the bank, hoping that passersby would be kind enough to donate their newly withdrawn fifty dollar notes. If ATM could give out coins, he would be the first to finish giving out his stickers. Wei Chung had the best spot, where the human traffic was the greatest. Chun Kang held a slightly less favourable position, but his "tooty smile" and never-say-die attitude more than compensated the drawback. Peng Sing was waiting under the bridge, but was unfortunately ks-ed by other over-enthusiastic students. The area was clearly saturated and at full employment, and thus I opted to walk several blocks away and situated myself near a library. It was a good decision because there were many avid book readers and muggers, who were happy to depart with their ten cent coins. It was also near to a bus stop and there was considerable human traffic.
At first, the result was discouraging. Holding the charity can was like carrying an infectious disease, with its symptoms clearly displayed all over my forehead. People started avoiding me, their pace quickening and several of them started displaying impressive qing gong abilities. Some chose to alter their direction, upon noticing me while others pretended to be engaged in an action. Initially, I was rather disappointed by their actions. In the end, it gave way to laughter because it was really a funny sight. One person was so focused on avoiding me, that she crashed into another fellow who was doing the exact same thing and I couldn't help but laugh at such a comical event. And then, it dawned on me that I had to exhibit a passionate attitude in order to convincingly persuade others to donate. I adopted a friendly and caring mentality in order to appeal to the kindness of the people. The warm greeting and numerous thanking reaped tremendous results.
There were boyfriends eager to impress their girls, displaying both their love and wealth. There were daddy and mummy eager to please their children. For every person that was keen to avoid me, there were other people willing to do their part for charity and this was really heartwarming.
Through this flag day, I also learnt a valuable lesson. There was this foreign worker who was trudging under the hot sun with large packets of spices and food. I did not approach him because he had his hands full, and it would be unlikely that he donate as it was rather inconvenient- this could be a result of my sub-conscious discrimination, since such a thought did not cross my mind. The next moment, he came to me, keen to know about the organisation which I was raising funds.
The conversation roughly went like this:
"Hello. What is this for?"
"Hi! Would you like to donate? This is for Ang Mo Kio Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, to help needy patients who cannot afford their expensive treatment, due to financial difficulties."
"Oh, I see." Without another thought, he whipped out a green dollar note and firmly slipped it into my charity can. "I would only donate to the organisation, where the unfortunate is really in need of my help. Otherwise, I would not donate my money."
"Thank you," I said with deep gratitude. My highest fund raising came in such a surprising twist and this event taught me that no matter who we are, we do have the capacity to display kindness and ultimately it all boils down to our personal choice. Even if we are just an ordinary person on the street, our actions can make us extraordinary. And this person was really exceptional.
The catch is that the money should be used to aid the needy unfortunate- and not spent on constructing some golden tap to produce "bling bling" water.
[comments: this blog entry is written with some witty humour. please don't take it as personal offence as the writer has no malicious intention. serious.]
