Alex Arokiam - A Man with A Heart of Mother Theresa

The Honorable

Mr Alex Arokiam

Chairman of Positive Living Community

Sitting under the porch of Rumah Oasis almost close to 12noon, there was a cool breeze blowing through the shades in spite of the scorching afternoon heat. Mr Alex Arokiam took his time to relate to us the story of how he moved from the City of Kuala Lumpur and set foot with his family in this serene village embraced by cool mountains ~ Batu Arang. A town located some 30km away from the City.

We listened to him attentively, figuring how this honorable man devotes himself to the destitute.

He patiently narrated his encounters during his younger days where he was actively involved with the local NGOs doing voluntary work. That was when he got called up by the Bishop of St.John's Church in Kuala Lumpur to help set up a halfway shelter to help drug addicts who are homeless and also those who are suffering from AIDS.

During the conversation, Alex said that the majority of the drug addicts and AIDS patients whom he met were 'victims of circumstances'. He elaborated that most of them were from out of town, have limited education background and came to the city with much enthusiasm in search of a better life. These group of youngsters were all ill prepared both mentally, skill-wise and financially to face up to the challenges of the competitive city life. Consequently, they will be forced into a tight corner under the pressure of city life with no money, no family support, no friends, no place to stay and the list goes on. According to Alex, these are the normal circumstances that will make these once budding youngsters to become vulnerable and eventually lead them onto the path of drug abuse and some to be infected with AIDS as a result. It was a hard fact to face and some of their own families even chose to turn their backs on them.

Rumah Oasis is a home that houses most of the bedridden AIDS patients. The full time caregivers were well trained to administer medication accurately and punctually, so that the treatment will be in line with the result expected by the hospitals, the medical program is fully sponsored by the government and the method of treating HIV / AIDS has since evolved to a more advance and humane approach which gave encouragement to the patients to avail themselves for treatments. Gone were the days of the "Cold Turkey" method, says Alex.

Unfortunately, out of the 31 inmates that Alex is taking care, only 22 of them are Malaysians who are eligible to receive fully funded medication from the Malaysian government. The other 9 patients are refugees from Myanmar who are not eligible for Malaysian government funded medication, hence Rumah Oasis with have to bear a portion of the medication costs together with the partial subsidy they received from their own government.

Apart from the first stop at Rumah Oasis, we also moved on to the second home, Embun Pagi Organic Farm. A home that provides rehabilitation and recovery program to the drug and alcoholic & AIDS patients.

This long shaped building houses 12 patients presently. They are the physically stronger group who have their disease contained with medication, but have no home or family to go back to, they will learn vocational and living skills here that allow them to support themselves and reenter society at a later stage. Embun Pagi Organic Farm, Fish Farm and Open Range Poultry & eggs produce contribute to the bulk the home's source of income for continuous sustaining of the home's operations.

After a brief lunch at a coffee shop near the town center, we arrived at the third home. It is a home for "After Care" program. This home is basically for the disabled and in need of continuous support for managing their daily lives.

A portrait of Mother Teresa drawn by one of the inmates was prominently featured at the entrance wall. This simple house presented a very clean and tidy image to the visitors, not forgetting a kitchen with a beautiful lake view that captivated my attention.

We were "exploring" further to the adjacent land with a free range chicken coop. Plants bearing fruits are definitely more fertile in this "zone". With Alex's blessing, we were plucking away some juicy berries to bring home with.

Not wanting to end our recci trip empty handed, we bought some big fat Tilapia fish from Alex, a few packets of air dried Misai Kuching tea leaves, a plastic bag full of mixed vegetables with herbs... some can even continue growing in my own backyard.

Now, let's work on our next Charity Drive, visiting the Positive Living Community, Batu Arang. Schedule on Saturday, 28th April 2012.

Are you free to join us?

Contact & Address :

019- 2287750 Alex
alexarok@hotmail.com

Positive Living Community
Lot D 1224 SU 4 Off Jalan DPP
48100, Batu Arang
Selangor, Malaysia

Touring around Embun Pagi Organic Farm

Savoring "Misai Kuching" tea...yummy

Sights to behold

House Of Joy - Temporary Shelter at Dewan Serbaguna MPSJ Taman Kinrara

Read this article:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2012%2F1%2F1%2Fnation%2F10189393&sec=nation

So, the searching of this "Dewan Serbaguna MPSJ" took me more than half an hour rounding Seksyen 1, Puchong with the GPS of no help either.

Finally called up House Of Joy and the person answered the phone told me to head over to Jalan TK1/1, Taman Kinrara, Batu 7, Jalan Puchong, where their administration office is located, you will see the Dewan located nearby...

Receiving me upfront at the entrance was Ah Hong, who is one of the teenagers made homeless by the fire incident last week. Two reception tables were set up at both sides of the entrance, on the left was manned by Lesley Mah and her friends, the person responsible to attend to activities and visitations. To the right was a bigger table displaying all the Chinese New Year cookies and some other items on sale, to help generate funds in this trying times, I presumed.

Overall the boys were well taken care of in terms of food, clothing and basic necessities. There are now close to 40 of them aged between 3 to 18 years old housed in the Dewan while waiting for a more permanent solution to the lodging arrangement.

As the school term had just started two days ago, I was requested to provide some packet milk for them to bring to school. Some extension wires also come in handy for fans and other electrical appliances as the hall is fairly large. Garbage bags were also needed to maintain hygiene in the place. I have so far fulfilled their needs and made a small contribution with the hope that they will overcome this difficulty in no time.

Children were seen playing badminton and some started doing their homework right after having the packed lunch courtesy of some kind Samaritans.

Ah Hong reminded me to speak with them prior to bring cooked food to the children to avoid over supply.

Should you wish to pay them a visit, or just drop in your contribution, please refer to the followings:

Address :

Dewan Serbaguna MPSJ Taman Kinrara

Taman Kinrara Seksyen 1

7/12 Miles

Puchong

Tel: 03-8026 3299

or

Jalan TK1/1

Taman Kinrara

Batu 7

Jalan Puchong

47180 Puchong, Selangor

House of Joy Contact Persons:

Pastor Tang - 012-2246396

Lesley Mah - 019-3392847

Lee Choo - 012-9200141

If you wish to donate:

Account Payee:

JOY TO THE WORLD COMMUNITY SERVICES

A/C NO: 05700061502 HONG LEONG BANK

Send to : 78A, Jalan TK1-1

Taman Kinrara

Batu 7, Jalan Puchong

47180 Puchong

Attention to : Lesley (House of Joy)

House of Joy, Puchong Orphans are homeless again

The New Paper
Tuesday, Jan 03, 2012

For the past six years, it has been home to orphans as well as children from poor and broken families.

But The House of Joy, in Puchong Petaling Jaya, was razed after fire gutted the two-storey building.

The disaster left about 35 underprivileged children homeless and in tears, The Star reported.

The House of Joy chairman Pastor Tang Chee Sing said there were five caretakers and 19 children, aged between six and 12, at the home when the fire started.

"The rest of the children were out on training and attending workshops," he told the Malaysian daily.

The fire is believed to have started in the dormitory on the second storey on Friday, New Straits Times reported.

Firefighters, who arrived at the scene nine minutes after receiving a distress call at 10.50am, found the entire second storey in flames.

The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes.

There were no casualties, the report stated.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Anuar Harun told The New Straits Times that preliminary investigations show that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit.

He said: "The cook heard an explosion upstairs and went to inspect. He found the fire raging in a room and used a fire extinguisher to try to put out the flames.

"He called on the other caretakers to evacuate the children."

One of the caretakers, Mr Moses Chat, 68, said he and four other people were preparing lunch when he heard small explosions coming from the dormitory.

He added: "When I checked, we saw sparks coming out from one of the power sockets."

Pastor Tang said a neighbour offered food and shelter for the children while the firefighters battled the flames.

The children will be temporarily housed at a multi-purpose hall while the management looks for another house.

Pastor Tang said: "We were in the midst of raising RM2 million (S$820,000) to build a new boys' home and had planned to move out after Chinese New Year.

"But this fire has thrown our plans out the window."

This article was first published in The New Paper.

Girl Tells Santa She Wants Dad Home From Iraq, Doesn't Know Santa is Dad

Coca-Cola Where Will Happiness Strike Next: The OFW Project

Merry Christmas to all!

Sinthamani Divine Life Ashram

Took a leisure drive with my nephew Yap Yang, his girlfriend Amy and together with little Valerie , we headed to Sinthamani Divine Life Ashram, at Jinjang Utara, Kuala Lumpur to deliver some of the usable items that I cleared out from my store room, and also, more importantly is to help my client, Mdm Teh to deliver her donations, a full set of play station to the children at Sinthamani.

While touring around the home, we have found out that much improvements have been made to the home since our last visit some two years back.

Many kind samaritans are pouring their help to this home and it is now a more comfortable home to the destitute children, old folks and single mothers.

Nevertheless, there are maintenance required in order to upkeep the place, it was thru the volunteer teacher, Ms Cindy who received us earlier told us that the broken down refrigerator's door need to be repaired and the leaked sinks that cause havoc after each cooking also required immediate attention, thus, a plumber and or a handyman is needed to help look into this matter.

Should there be a contact of a plumber that can help out, kindly contact :

Ms Sandy or Mr Praveendran

016-9046358

and their home is located at:

No: 1112, Block 150,

Lorong 5/160, Kawasan A,

Rumah Panjang, Jinjang Utara,

52000 Kuala Lumpur

Don't forget this child

UNICEF feed and treat hundreds of thousands of children.

But tragically, 320,000 children are still acutely malnourished and on the brink of death in East Africa.

Elijah is one of them. He is 11 months old – though he doesn't look like it. When he was admitted to the UNICEF-supported Provide Clinic in Korogocho in Nairobi, Kenya, he weighed less than 10 pounds.

He had malaria and measles, and suffered dramatic weight loss.

He can make it. But only if the world remembers we have the power, and the will, to save lives.

More people need to see these images, need to read these stories... and it starts with you. I want you to share the image in this email. It's so easy – just click here and click "Share" to share with your friends on Facebook. Or, forward this email to a friend.

There are more than 600,000 people receiving this image of Elijah today. All it will take is each of us sharing this image once – either on Facebook or by forwarding this email – and we will literally flood the Internet with a simple, powerful story.

This is precisely what this crisis needs right now. But it won't work without each us doing our part right now and sharing this image.

Let's use our collective power to turn the world's eyes back to the children who desperately need more help.

With gratitude,

Caryl M. Stern
President & CEO
U.S. Fund for UNICEF

P.S. – You can also make a donation, right now, to help save children's lives in the Horn of Africa.

NARAYANAN KRISHNAN - a companion to the forgotten

Narayanan Krishnan (born 1981) is an Indian chef turned social worker. He quit his career as a leading chef and began supplying meals to the homeless in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, beginning in 2002. Krishnan was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

He was an award-winning chef with Taj Hotels, Bangalore and was short-listed for an elite job in Switzerland. During a visit to his family, before heading to Europe, he said, "I saw a very old man, literally eating his own human waste out of hunger. I went to the nearby hotel and asked them what was available.

They had idli, which I bought and gave to the old man. Believe me, I had never seen a person eating so fast, ever. As he ate the food, his eyes were filled with tears. Those were the tears of happiness. Krishnan founded his nonprofit Akshaya Trust in 2003. Every day, he wakes up at 4 a.m., cooks a simple hot meal and then, along with his team, loads it in a van and travels about 125 miles (201 km) feeding the homeless and mentally-disabled in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

He serves breakfast, lunch and dinner to 400 indigent and elderly people in Madurai. He carries a comb, scissors and razor and is trained in eight haircut styles that, along with a fresh shave, provide extra dignity to those he serves. He is one of the Top 10 in "CNN heroes 2010" list

知福 惜福 造福........回省自己

日前，在世界攝影比賽上獨獲金獎的單幅照片《非洲兒童》，讓全世界60億人落淚了

這個身上爬滿蚊蟲、蒼蠅的非洲小男孩的照片，給所有讀者的心靈以
最強烈的震撼。


圖片上的每個元素都讓人呼吸停止、心跳變慢：這世界上真有這樣的地方嗎？真有這樣的兒童嗎?

從瘦得可以清晰地數出他肋骨的兒童身上，我們看見了處在那片貧瘠土地上的兒童的悲慘的命運。他們沒有網絡遊戲，沒有KFC、MDL，沒有玩具，沒有夥伴，甚至沒有可以果腹的食品。

　　為什麼小男孩身上會爬滿了蚊蟲及蒼蠅？是因為飢餓已經讓他沒有力氣來揮手驅趕這些昆蟲，還是因為他早已經喪失了驅趕這些昆蟲的願望？也許，這些就是日日陪伴他度過沒有天真與撒嬌的童年的夥伴。他已經習慣了它們的存在。


　　小男孩的家人呢？圖片右上角，一個同樣骨瘦如柴的成年人一邊朝著小男孩這邊張望，一邊忙著手裡的活計。我們或許可以判斷，這個成年人肩 負著照顧小男孩的偉大任務，但因為他自己要忙著多幹點活，多掙點錢來養活全家，也許他就是這個小男孩的哥哥，也許他就是這個小男孩的爸爸，對於兒童身上的 東西，他也已經習慣了。

　　左上角的白色棚子，也許就是小男孩的家，看得出來，是由廢棄不用的材料搭建而成。遠方，同樣沒有什麼建築物，只有一個茅草做成的房屋孤零零的立在曠野中。


　　我們的心都在流淚。震撼之餘，也許我們每個人又產生了一種慶幸：比起他，我們可是天堂般的生活！而在慶幸之餘，我們還是覺得，有一種隱痛和不甘，其實就在我們心底。更多

Hari Raya Orphanage Visit

We made a trip to visit Rumah Nur Hikmah on the first day of Hari Raya, 30th August, 2011.

Carrying with us, the items requested by the caretaker, Tuan Haji Othman Ahmad comprising of the following:

- 6 tins of Snow Brand baby milk powder for the prematurely born babies - courtesy of Mr Chan Yong Houng & Family

- Groceries comprising of cooking oil, shampoo, shower gel, tooth paste, cookies, chocolates and a football for the boys! - courtesy of Mr Tai & Family

- RM100 from Mr Ngo Chong Let & Family - as duit raya

- RM200 from Ms Vivian Geow - as duit raya

- RM300 from Mr Yap Yin Hong & Family - as cash donation

so we headed towards Kajang on a bright sunny day.

Being pre-empted by the caretaker, Tuan Haji Othman Ahmad, that there will not be many children around as they will be invited to other functions on that very first day or Raya, we thought of just fulfilling our "quest" and went ahead with the trip to make our donation.

We were greeted by some of the single mothers who were relaxing around caring for the babies.

After unloading our gifts, we toured around the home and thereafter my brother, Mr Yap Yin Hon, made the cash donation to the home and we then left the place .... completely oblivious to those DUIT RAYA packets which were left inside my handbag until we reached home.

So, here comes the second donation in a day:

Unable to sit still, I googled the web and found this Muslim Orphanage closest to Subang Jaya...

Woke my husband up from his afternoon slumber, we drove off to an adventurous trip, Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih, A home that took us by surprise, located right next to the Subang Jaya/Puchong neighbourhood...

I must highlight the journey driving into this Kampung Sri Aman, Batu 13, Puchong.

We were truly surprised by the scenic drive along side the river passing by many Kampungs. The feeling was just like entering into a small town somewhere in Melaka, Muar or Kuantan ... seeing the motorbikers and cyclists maneuvering on the narrow, otherwise well tarred road, rendering us a very peaceful feeling. You will not believe that you are just around the Subang Jaya vicinity until you see the municipal signboard erected prominently at the road junctions.

Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih is a home that housed 83 children. It is so clean, tidy and organised. This is a total contrast to most of the homes we have visited.

The caretaker, En. Zawawi came upfront to receive us.

Again, being an absent-minded self, I ignorantly extended my hand to greet him "Selamat Hari Raya"....:(

He politely smiled and waived his hand as a gesture and turned to my husband for a full handshake.

He was most grateful seeing us dropping by and suggested us to have a photograph taken with me handing over the "Green Packet Duit Raya".

Boy, this home has certainly amazed me and I think I will be back to make more support in the near future. You guys can head over to their blog for very exciting news, and support them by buying some of their produce, i.e flowers, vegetable or just drop by to their nursery for a weekend family time...

Before signing off, a BIG Thank You to Mr Yap, Mr Ngo and Mr Chan who made their kind donations, and pray for God to be with you and bless you with good health and happiness to you and your family.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA TO ALL THE ORPHANS AT RUMAH NUR HIKMAH

This year's Hari Raya falls on 30th & 31st August, 2011, which is also our National Day, Hari Merdeka.

We are planning a visit to Rumah Nur Hikmah on 30th August, the first day of Raya to spread some cheers around. Rumah Nur Hikmah is an orphanage located at:

Rumah Nur Hikmah
Lot 11552, Jalan 18,
Taman Mesra,
43000 Kajang,
Selangor
Contact Numbers: 016-669 9942, 017-383 9994 (Haji Othman Ahmad)

Spoke to the Caretaker, Haji Othman today for more information and asked him for their wishlist. Tuan Haji sounded humbly on the phone that they need daily amenities like:

1. Tooth paste
2. Soap for shower and general washing
3. Cooking oil
4. Milk powder (Snow brand - for a 8 month old baby who was born pre-matured)
5. Cash - to help them defray utility bills

The home presently houses 60 children with 36 Male and 24 Female, age between 8 months to 18 years.

We hope to raise some funds and be able to celebrate Hari Raya with the children together.

World Humanitarian Day Project

WorldVision Malaysia

‎19 August is World Humanitarian Day, a global celebration of people helping people. No matter the race, age, religion or gender, globally there are thousands who take risks daily to improve the lives of the downtrodden and the weak. Regardless of who they are and where they are, please share this video and remember the efforts, sacrifices and inspirational lives of humanitarian aid workers!

A Mama is Watching her bau bei singing from heaven

Handicapped and Disabled Children Association of Klang

Last Sunday morning, 1st of May,2011, which is Labour Day Public Holiday, we all had a date. To come together to do something meaningful, to spread some love, have some fun and at the same time, bringing about a touch of compassion to the hearts of our children. It was a Charity Drive.

We headed to the Handicapped and Disabled Children Association of Klang, near Kampung Raja Uda, Port Klang. A home that currently houses 76 less fortunate children and teenagers who suffered from down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autistic, vision, speech and hearing impaired and more...

During this Charity Drive which was planned immediately after Chinese New Year in February, we have successfully helped in providing a more comfortable living for the children in this home as we could now see them enjoying brand new wardrobes for both the boys and girls dormitories, a TV set, a DVD player and a refrigerator. With the funds raised, we also managed to replace the worn-out shoe rack doors and repaired some cabinet doors, amongst others.

We all have a common belief that the money we raised are to be utilised on items that can benefit the children directly. It was beyond words to see the beaming faces when they showed us how tidy the clothing were arranged inside the cupboards. The cheers and joy on children faces crowding around the A&W mascot and clown on this occasional birthday bash was all we wanted to see.

My husband and myself are counting our blessings to have a bunch of enthusiastic friends and family members who are always passionate in lending a helping hand to the needy. They make no qualms in all the arrangements we made and seek no rewards in their giving. This is the true spirit of charity. This is the way forward. We salute you.

24 cars gathered at Sg.Rasau Toll, many had even arrived before 10am!

The convoy

Taking this chance to introduce our new friends who joined us after reading this blog is the Ong family (Mr Ong is the second from left seen here holding a box filled with their donated items while talking to his wife Wendy with two boys standing beside her.
They have had a great time spending with the children and Wendy was telling me that they plan to visit this home again coming Saturday with their eldest son who missed this session. I am proud of you and your family, Wendy. Keep up the Godly work!

Just received this picture courtesy of Wendy and she has informed me of their family visit today, 7/5/2011 which was yet another touching experience. Children at the home are getting fast attached to their company and wouldn't want to let them go. Wendy and her husband, Mr Ong have made more donation this time, and will fulfill some of their requests in the near future. You guys are great and the world need people like you to make it a better place. God Bless you all.

Have fun while doing good deeds, that's the spirit!

Mr Yap KC & Family out in full force

My nephew, Yap Liang aka Mr Cool with Shelly

Mr C.Y. Chan and Ms P.S. Goh


Mr Chan YH, our dashing photographer

Kenneth Bong & his gal

Did you see those golden hearts?

A sight to behold...marching on to give

The OldTown White Coffee nasi lemak, yummy ...thank you sponsors, not that we don't love you but we love the nasi lemak more...:))

The crowd enjoying the dance performance by the children

The home's President, Mr Murgan is giving Welcome Speech

Mr Ngo, our spiritual leader giving a thank you speech






My eldest brother, Yap Yin Hoong a fulltime supporter!


All families here share the same passion...to help

The crowd listening attentively to Mr Murgan, the Home's President


The men behind the scene, thank you guys



The children dancing away with the music

Ah Hong, Ah Hong, our favorite child, saw him since he was 3 months old, with holes in heart and bone cancer, such a wonderful feeling to see him dancing away now




Our new kids "from the blog"- Ms Synndy and her friends came joined us after reading the earlier posts from this blog. Bravo guys, do come back next round ya







Mr Murgan receiving a cash donation from Ms YC Chan

Mr Murgan receiving a cash donation from Mdm Ooi Ki Chung

Mr Ngo handing over a cheque donation to Mr Murgan on behalf of our group amounting to RM1,300.00

Ms Tai SY having fun with the children

Thanks for the present, Valerie

Happy Birthday to you ....

Some of the children who can't join in the fun, but they were not neglected

Is team work time...let's help

Our Chow Sifu, an all time Samaritan who never say no to help

To bring them cheers, you must first smile from the heart, I saw it here, Amy

A caring Mr Chan Yong Houng is playing with the kiddo inside the living hall

The DVD Player

The Fridge
The Old Wardrobe (For comparison)

The new wardrobe at the Girls' Domitory

Worn out doors repaired

The TV set

The boys' wardrobe

The new shoe rack doors

The old worn out shoe rack doors (For comparison)

The force behind us who help made the day

Mdm Ooi, never miss a chance to do charity
Yong Chee Kien and Bor Ngee Wha

Tai SY with Ah Hong

Daniel & Yap Yang, with Yap Hang merajuk at the back

This little macho never let go of the trumpet from the moment he got it from Valerie

Lam Chee Kong & Family

Alvyna is asking her dad for a balloon sculpture...

The A&W team
Thank you for a job welldone!

*******************************************************************

A week ago, we started ordering this Thank You gift from
The Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled
Beautiful Gate Foundation For The Disabled
No. 29, Jalan SS 2/59, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Tel: 603-78736579, 603-78758609
Fax: 603-78762686

They are eco enzyme, which is effective agents for house hold cleaning
We thought of stretching our money a little by supporting them and yet achieving another aim of saying thank you to our friends

This 500ml type cost RM5 per bottle

Their little "factory" at SS2, Petaling Jaya

Value add by our little miss...seen here busy doing the artwork she likes most

Finally after three days of hard work...hope all the uncle aunties will like them

Contribution List

Please double click the image for larger view
MAY GOD BLESS ALL WHO GIVE!!