Charity begins next door
GEORGE TOWN: There is an old saying, 'Charity begins at home', but for accountant Ng Yah Ling, her charity began next door – literally.
For the past 18 years, she has been volunteering with Persatuan Dermawan Jishan, a charity organisation.
She assists with its annual account audits, fundraisers, fortnightly visits to the underprivileged and pops over daily to see if they need any other help.
The 54-year-old said she found her calling when she realised there was a charitable organisation next to her office.
'As a workaholic, its location seemed like the perfect option, as I could walk over any time.
'At first, I just wanted to help them with tax exemptions.
'I then started as a volunteer and followed them when they visited underprivileged families or those in need,' she said in an interview.
She added that, since 2009, the charity has raised more than RM12.2mil through dinners, runs, singing competitions and other events.
'We have over 1,000 members, and all of these are collective efforts.
'To raise funds, I also hold seminars, and the proceeds go to the organisation.
'It needs RM50,000 a month to run the Chinese medicine clinic, which includes acupuncture and other treatments.
'This is apart from us visiting underprivileged families to provide rations and other needs,' she said.
Ng, a mother of three, said they choose families based on their monthly income and other factors, including single-parent homes or disabilities.
'Over the years volunteering, I have found out that sometimes it is not about money but about offering a listening ear.
'About three years ago, we met a homeless man. He shared that he wanted to go back home and be with his siblings. He was around my age and was recovering from a stroke.
'A family misunderstanding had led to him becoming homeless,' she said, recalling the incident.
Ng said she then contacted the man's sister and, while talking to her, realised kind words go a long way.
'They have since reunited. All it took was a phone call from my end,' she said.
Ng also said the intention to give back to society came from her upbringing.
'I was raised by my paternal grandparents, who were rubber tappers.
'My grandparents were from China. We were poor, but no matter what, they would still help if someone was in need.
'They taught me that whenever you have money, you must give back in some way.
'My life goal was to bring my family out of poverty and to give back to society.
'Now that I have enough, my goal is to give back in any way possible, including my time and resources,' she said.
Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for its 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have had a lasting impact on others.
With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide.
This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways.
Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
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Helping hands: Ng, along with other volunteers, distributing aid to those in need in Bukit Mertajam. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star GEORGE TOWN: There is an old saying, 'Charity begins at home', but for accountant Ng Yah Ling, her charity began next door – literally. For the past 18 years, she has been volunteering with Persatuan Dermawan Jishan, a charity organisation. She assists with its annual account audits, fundraisers, fortnightly visits to the underprivileged and pops over daily to see if they need any other help. The 54-year-old said she found her calling when she realised there was a charitable organisation next to her office. 'As a workaholic, its location seemed like the perfect option, as I could walk over any time. 'At first, I just wanted to help them with tax exemptions. 'I then started as a volunteer and followed them when they visited underprivileged families or those in need,' she said in an interview. She added that, since 2009, the charity has raised more than RM12.2mil through dinners, runs, singing competitions and other events. 'We have over 1,000 members, and all of these are collective efforts. 'To raise funds, I also hold seminars, and the proceeds go to the organisation. 'It needs RM50,000 a month to run the Chinese medicine clinic, which includes acupuncture and other treatments. 'This is apart from us visiting underprivileged families to provide rations and other needs,' she said. Ng, a mother of three, said they choose families based on their monthly income and other factors, including single-parent homes or disabilities. 'Over the years volunteering, I have found out that sometimes it is not about money but about offering a listening ear. 'About three years ago, we met a homeless man. He shared that he wanted to go back home and be with his siblings. He was around my age and was recovering from a stroke. 'A family misunderstanding had led to him becoming homeless,' she said, recalling the incident. Ng said she then contacted the man's sister and, while talking to her, realised kind words go a long way. 'They have since reunited. All it took was a phone call from my end,' she said. Ng also said the intention to give back to society came from her upbringing. 'I was raised by my paternal grandparents, who were rubber tappers. 'My grandparents were from China. We were poor, but no matter what, they would still help if someone was in need. 'They taught me that whenever you have money, you must give back in some way. 'My life goal was to bring my family out of poverty and to give back to society. 'Now that I have enough, my goal is to give back in any way possible, including my time and resources,' she said. Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for its 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have had a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
