Volunteers and Staff Affected by COVID-19 Pandemic Appreciate Timely Care and Support

 A heartfelt message of gratitude sent by a recipient upon receiving the care package from Tzu Chi. (Photo by Susan Tan)

With the worsening COVID-19 pandemic situation in recent times, many of Tzu Chi’s volunteers and staff have been affected in one way or the other. In a bid to bring comfort and reduce their anxiety levels, the organisation has stepped forward to provide support through various ways including the distribution of care packages, providing temporary accommodation as well as setting up a specialised COVID-19 care hotline.

For the distribution of care packages, it first kick-started in June when the organisation began giving out care packages to those who were either infected, serving their quarantine orders or were recipients of health risk warning alerts. Included in these care packages were useful items such as fruits, masks and hand sanitisers.

Ms Susan Tan, manager from Tzu Chi Volunteer Development Department (VDD), has been involved with the care packages project and she explained the rationale behind it.

“We started it as we saw that the volunteers and staff were feeling a bit anxious so we wanted to wish them well,” she shared. “The care packages also contained a card with Master (Cheng Yen)’s well-wishes, and we hope that this will be able to calm them down and help them get through the quarantine period.”

Ms Tan has been delivering the care packages to the affected people personally and this willingness to go beyond her required duties has been commendable. Given that there remains an inherent risk of contracting COVID-19 during the delivery process, not everyone would be willing to take on this task. But for Ms Tan, the importance of providing emotional relief to the volunteers and staff far outweighed her own safety.

“At the start, I didn’t really think about the risk but after the government started making it mandatory for people at workplaces to take the ART (Antigen Rapid Test), I naturally felt a bit worried whenever we did the testing,” she explained.

“But even though it is quite risky, I don’t mind sending the care packages myself as the quantity is still manageable and less people will be exposed that way.”

And her efforts as well as those of other Tzu Chi volunteers and staff have been well-appreciated, with several of the affected people expressing immense gratitude for the help rendered as it went far beyond just the act of giving care packages.

Going the Extra Mile

A particular incident which truly showcased the spirit of giving was one involving Tzu Chi volunteer Ms Tang Siew Yee. On the night of 4 October 2021, after a routine ART at her workplace, Ms Tang discovered that she was COVID-19 positive. To make matters worse, her landlord told her to look for alternative accommodation, leaving her stranded for the night. Feeling at a loss and uncertain about what her next step should be, she decided to seek help from Tzu Chi.

On the advice from helpful Tzu Chi staff and volunteers, she headed to the hospital to take a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test for further confirmation. Upon completing the test, it was already in the wee hours of the morning. But thankfully for her, a hotel room had already been booked by Tzu Chi VDD staff to serve as her temporary accommodation. Over the next few days, as Ms Tang continued to isolate herself in the hotel room awaiting her PCR test result, other Tzu Chi staff and volunteers also showed their care and concern by sending several items including the care package, fruits as well as packed vegetarian lunch.

Eventually, the PCR test came back negative and Ms Tang was able to return to work and resume her normal life. After this rather unique experience, her sense of relief at overcoming this unexpected situation was palpable. She also expressed her gratitude towards the Tzu Chi staff and volunteers who have helped her throughout. 

“I’m very touched by the care shown, especially during the period when I was unsure about many things,” she shared. “The most touching part would be when they helped to arrange accommodation for me, at a time when I didn’t know what to do. With their help, I did feel calmer and I would also like to thank Tzu Chi CEO for calling to express his concern.”

Tzu Chi volunteer Ms Lim Chwee Lian was the first person Ms Tang contacted upon discovering her positive ART result and Ms Lim was very happy to have been able to lend a helping hand.

“I’m very thankful that she thought of contacting me when she faced this problem,” Ms Lim explained. “I was not that worried about the situation as we have a whole team here at Tzu Chi and I firmly believed that we would be able to help her find a solution together. And I think that’s the beauty of Tzu Chi.”

Advice through Tzu Chi Care Hotline

Besides the encouragement offered through the care packages as well as other forms of aid extended to the affected people, the COVID-19 care hotline, which began on 5 October 2021, was another useful avenue of help. Meant to provide clarification as well as relief for volunteers and staff affected by COVID-19, the Tzu Chi Care Hotline has helped calm the nerves of several people who have called in seeking help.

Volunteer Ms Lim Kim Yan is in charge of manning the hotline and she has been able to put her years of experience in the medical field to good use. She had previously served as a senior nurse with Tan Tock Seng Hospital and also as a Deputy Head of Department overseeing homecare with Tzu Chi. 

“I have been in the medical line for 49 years so giving medical advice is not that difficult as long as we follow the government policies,” she shared. “I don’t mind taking on this role as it is within my capabilities and it is nice that I can help to relieve some of the anxiety that people are facing. I’m also really thankful that they trust and believe my advice.”

The Tzu Chi Care Hotline has certainly provided timely assistance as well as relief to confused volunteers and staff who have been affected by COVID-19. Beyond this, there has also been a strong personal touch involved where volunteers such as Ms Lim go the extra mile to follow up on the cases of people who have called in. Additional aid is then provided for those in need through further action by staff and volunteer leaders.

 Ms Lim Kim Yan (left) seen here teaching Tzu Chi staff regarding the use of ART kits. (Photo by Chan May Ching)

As of 29 October 2021, the number of care packages delivered to volunteers, staff as well as other service recipients is approximately 142. As for the care hotline, the number of cases handled is at an estimated 14. Beyond just the raw numbers, the impact left on the affected parties has been immensely positive. In an undoubtedly challenging period for those directly affected by COVID-19, the need for non-governmental organisations (NGO) such as Tzu Chi to step up and provide support has been even more crucial. And this has also served as a timely reminder for everyone associated with the organisation that in every difficult journey, there will always be people who will walk you through even the toughest of obstacles.    

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