A great thanks to uncle Randy, and mr Tan.

here this goes.

A Religion of Love.

A two hour long interview with one of the most respectable volunteer Singapore has ever known in his little, humble office yesterday was summarized simply with one sentence- “There is only one religion I believe in, and that is the religion called Love. “

Mr Tiem Fook Tan started off by telling us about himself and his values. At a ripe age of 77, he could very well be the one receiving care at an elderly home. Instead, this cheery guy, who believes that he has a “youthful mind and it is all that matters”, is the one extending a helping hand to whoever in need of aid and support, be it the poor, unfortunate, homeless or ill.

Mr Tan has been active in the volunteering community for more than 40 years, organizing events, donating money and doing everything he can to help make another person’s life better.
Mr Tan won the Singapore Talentime competition 3yrs in a row, from 1962 to 1964, and later in 1971 again. However, upon winning the competition in 1963, he donated the prize money of $20,000 to charity.

To Mr Tan, volunteering and helping out is more of a hobby. Thus, he does voluntary work more than once a week, but has toned down since his age has caught up on him. When asked why he had so much time for volunteerism when the average adult seemed so busy with work, he reasoned, “God gave us each 24hrs a day. If we had 8hrs to work, and 8hrs to sleep, we would have another 8hrs remaining. All we have to do, is to have an hour put aside solely for our loved ones every day. It isn’t too hard, is it?”

Having organized events for the elderly and less fortunate for 21 years and counting, he claims he has never once gotten anything back accept for a certificate of appreciation. Puzzled, we asked why was he still helping out, despite knowing his money spent will never be returned. He chuckled, and said “ When I volunteer, I volunteer unconditionally. I cannot expect them to return me anything, not even a thank you. It is easy to give money because anyone can do it, but not everyone can put in the effort to help and volunteer.”

“Most importantly, before you can spread the love to everyone else, you must know how to love yourself. That is the most important of all. To love yourself, and then your family members, and then friends. Only then, can you love everyone else, whether old or young, rich or poor.”

And with that, he hurried us down to the cafeteria, for a short tea, rice rolls and that invaluable, hearty laughter. All from a stranger, who we met less than a few hours ago, now showering us with care and wanting nothing in return. The Religion of Love indeed reigns all.

copyright, Shaun.