By Mei-Feng Lin, Hui-Ling Chen
Caring for Patients with Handmade Comforts
Patients at hospitals like Macquarie University Hospital and Auburn Public Hospital experienced the thoughtful care of Tzu Chi volunteers, who delivered handmade hats, drainage bag covers, and nasogastric tube bags tailored to their needs.
Uchita Shrestha, head nurse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, expressed her gratitude: “These practical gifts are priceless acts of love.” The large drainage bag covers provided at Macquarie University Hospital were praised for their practicality, while Auburn Public Hospital staff admired the vibrant patterns on the hats.
One patient shared, “Knowing someone crafted these with care brings warmth to my heart.” Such sentiments highlighted how the handmade items were more than just practical—they were symbols of compassion.
Connecting with Elderly Residents
In Eastwood and Gladesville, nearly 80 elderly residents living alone found comfort through Tzu Chi’s bi-monthly visits. Volunteers delivered food packages containing essentials like rice, salt, and fresh vegetables, along with bamboo banks and bilingual Jing Si aphorisms cards.
Tony, a 92-year-old resident, eagerly awaited each visit. “The supplies are helpful, but it’s the kindness and connection that truly matter,” he said. He cherished reading the Tzu Chi Monthly and often shared stories of his life, finding joy in the interactions.
Children from the Tzu Chi Academy in Sydney brought festive cheer during the Christmas season, singing carols to residents and wishing them a safe and happy holiday. Jia-Hong Chen, one of the young participants, said, “Delivering gifts personally made this holiday special for me.”
Supporting Students with Hot Meals
For students struggling with financial difficulties, Tzu Chi partnered with the UNSW Food Hub to provide bi-monthly hot meals. Indonesian student Brandon, now studying mathematics at UNSW, shared his gratitude: “These meals not only filled our stomachs but also showed us the power of kindness.”
Volunteers carefully prepared vegetarian dishes like fried rice, noodles, and burgers, with some traveling up to two hours to ensure delivery. The meals became more than sustenance—they were an expression of care that resonated deeply with students.
One master’s student reflected, “I didn’t expect vegetarian food to be so delicious!” Inspired by the experience, this student later joined the Tzu Chi Academy to serve as a teacher, passing on the values of compassion and gratitude.
Fostering a Spirit of Giving
Tzu Chi’s initiatives not only addressed immediate needs but also cultivated a spirit of giving among those they served. Residents often returned filled bamboo banks, contributing to the cycle of goodness. The children who participated in care visits learned the value of helping others, with one young volunteer sharing, “Though it was tiring, the joy of giving made it all worthwhile.”
UNSW students, touched by the volunteers’ dedication, embraced the values of love and gratitude. Food Hub director Miles encouraged students to appreciate the support, further rooting Tzu Chi’s message of great love in the campus community.
Love Without Boundaries
Whether through care packages, hospital visits, or hot meals, these efforts bridged gaps and brought people together. Tony’s words summed up the impact of these acts: “It’s not just the food or supplies—it’s the feeling that someone truly cares.”
Through their compassion, volunteers transformed lives, reminding everyone of the joy and warmth that comes from giving and receiving love.
