When 10-year-old Phoebe Lim learned that Mr Tan Boon Teck, the youngest son of the late Mr Tan Chong Chia (who founded the famed Armenian Street Char Kway Teow in Singapore), was suffering from Stage 3 colon cancer, and in need of funds, she decided to pitch in.
Helping Uncle Tan
Mr. Tan had decided to raise funds for his treatment by giving away char kway teow lessons, an appeal that had made its way to social media. Little Phoebe came across an article about it on Facebook.
This kind hearted girl, also a cooking enthusiast, decided to do her part, and sell homemade chilli for the noble cause. She put up a Facebook post on 13 July, “Hi Everyone, I will be selling my homemade chilli to raise funds for Uncle Tan from Armenian Street Char Kway Teow who is suffering from stage 3 colon cancer.
Please let me know how many bottles you want by commenting below Each bottle is $15.”
Photo: Facebook/Phoebe Lim
She did not expect her appeal to get so popular, for according to Channel NewsAsia, in just a few days, she received orders for 346 bottles of homemade chilli!
On 18 July, she updated her Facebook post to, “Thank you all Uncles, Aunties, Kor Kors and Jie Jies for your support! I have to stop taking orders now. I will start making the chilli this Friday, 21/07/17. After that I will let all of you know where to collect the chilli. Thank you so much!”
Well, all the the kindness got rather contagious, and people gladly opened up their hearts and kitchens to Phoebe. A chef has not only opened up his commercial kitchen for her use, but is also assisting in ordering the ingredients from a supplier.
Mr. Tan’s family meanwhile, is happy and appreciative of so much support coming in from strangers. Ms Cindy Tan, Mr Tan’s niece, tells Channel NewsAsia, “Even though Singapore is quite a stressful country to live in due to high expenses, there are many kind souls … who are very willing to help. My family and I really appreciate this.”
She also shared that Mr Tan’s medical expenses are expected to touch S$100,000, with surgery and 28 sessions of chemotherapy involved.
She can’t wait to meet this little good samaritan, and has herself placed an order for two bottles of chilli, “It’s to show our appreciation – she’s such a young girl and she actually has a big heart to help. (We’re) very happy to see her trying her best to help.”
Phoebe and her father meanwhile, are planning to pass the money raised, to Mr Tan personally this week.
This little girl’s kindness is indeed a joy to be celebrated. We are sure that her indomitable spirit and “can-do” attitude will take her far!
Teaching children about charity
The pure souls that they are, children are born with an innate sense of charity and compassion. Parents would do well to nurture these philanthropic impulses. It boosts kids’ self-esteem when they realise that they can make a difference to someone’s life.
Give your pre-loved stuff a new lease on life by donating them to charity.
Like most things in life, charity begins at home. Giving and helping others teaches children that they are part of a larger community; it empowers them for an uncertain, unpredictable world, and in a way, makes them future ready.
Parents can start introducing the concept of charity to kids when they are as young as 3 years old! This is the age when children begin to understand that other people have feelings. To learn to empathise with others is the very basis for charity.
Parents should walk the talk, and create an environment where donating to charitable causes is celebrated. Let children see you dropping money into charity boxes. Or let them tag along when you participate in a walk for cancer. Teach them the simple joys of brightening others lives by donating old clothes, toys and school supplies.
Teach them that the food we eat, and the water we drink are a luxury that many people can only dream of.
Source: Channel NewsAsia
Also READ: Teach your kids the value of giving and sharing!