MORMON YSA VOLUNTEERS FOR TZU CHI ZAM

When Tzu Chi Zamboanga got a call from the Youth coordinator of the local Mormon Church last August 2006 expressing their youth’s willingness to volunteer for Tzu Chi Zamboanga in any way possible in October; little did Tzu Chi know that they were dead serious! When October came, Tzu Chi volunteer suggested that they can help Tzu Chi by demolishing the one story old Zamboanga City Medical Center canteen. The youth coordinator immediately approved and everyone took up the challenge willingly!

While the rest of the Zamboanga City were merrily celebrating the ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL or FIESTA PILAR last October 12, 2006; some 50 Young Single Adults (YSA) from the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints took the opportunity to volunteer for Tzu Chi Foundation, Zamboanga Liaison Office as part of their Community Service Activity. Their highly laudable effort in demolishing the old canteen of the Zamboanga City Medical Center saved the foundation thousands of pesos. Because of the unselfish efforts of the Young Mormons, the fund intended for the demolition can instead be used for the construction of an Annex Building of the Tzu Chi Great Love Physical Rehabilitation and Jaipur Foot Prosthesis Manufacturing Center that will soon rise on the demolished area. The Annex building will house the Brace Manufacturing Unit and the Wheelchair Repair and Crutches Manufacturing Center with the help and support of the international NGO Handicap International (HI). A long time partner of Tzu Chi Zamboanga; Handicap International trained a technician on how to manufacture an aluminum brace for patient with polio, scoliosis or stroke victims needing brace as support for walking. The Brace unit will complete the list of services offered by the Tzu Chi Great Love Physical Rehabilitation Center.

Armed with the simplest of tools and heart full of conviction plus willingness to serve others; the 50 Mormon youth tore down the structure in a little over 2 hours. They toiled under the heat of the sun with smiles on their faces knowing that their efforts will help Tzu Chi Zamboanga RESTORE HOPE, REBUILD LIVES of thousands of less fortunate differently-able and temporarily-disabled brothers and sisters in Region IX and ARMM areas who will pass through the doors and avail of the services of the soon to rise BRACE MANUFACTURING UNIT of the Tzu Chi Great Love Physical Rehabilitation Center.

Tzu Chi is especially appreciative of the fact that they tore down the structure with utmost care; especially of the things that can still be re-used or recycled. The Mormon youth with bare hands carefully arranged the GI Roofing sheets and reusable wood in neat piles the Tzu Chi way; consciously respecting the Tzu Chi culture of being environment friendly; thus contributing to their recycling efforts. Some of the youth and elders even helped maintain and clean the grounds of the Tzu Chi Physical Rehabilitation Center.

Tzu Chi Zamboanga is very touched of their selfless efforts and in putting into practice service without expecting anything in return. Something that the founder of Tzu Chi Master Cheng Yen has always reminded Tzu Chi volunteers: “Be willing to do, be happy to bear” and that the highest form of giving is “Giving without expecting anything in return!” The Mormon youth have done more than that and Tzu Chi Zamboanga will forever be grateful of their efforts. When the Annex building will be up and finally serving the community; the efforts of these 50 youth that formed the DEMOLITION TEAM will always be remembered and will continue to inspire the volunteers of Tzu Chi Zamboanga.

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