WHEN 2020 kicked in, a lot of us would have had a list of New Year plans and resolutions, much like any other year.
There'd be a list of places to visit, maybe a big bold wedding, buying a house, spending festivities with relatives in hometowns, finally signing up for that gym membership or a career-defining move.
And now here we are, at the beginning of 2021. Nothing is at all what it had seemed to promise back in the beginning of 2020.
In an almost swift and viral motion, our lives — and even the entire world — changed.
Unfortunately, for many of us, the change hasn't been for the better. The economy took a plunge and many lost their jobs. Given the bleak and long period of uncertainty and hardship, mental illness took an upward spike, sending many into desolation. Some people even died in isolation from their families — a terrible way to go.
Despite these dark times, what I had also witnessed last year was the unwavering spirit of the community. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before.
It's true what they say — that it's during a time of desperation that we really see people's true character.
SHOWING UP FOR OTHERS
Time and time again, the community — our community, in this country we call home — has shown up in various ways to support each other in this pandemic.
We see food drives, support for local businesses, donations for financially-strapped students, help for the unemployed and even a helping hand for zoos.
Local heroes have emerged. These are people working behind the scenes with no hidden agenda. Their only goal is to contribute to society in positive, meaningful ways.
I must mention someone I knew who had such traits. She's Kak Zalina. Kak Zalina was looking after refugee children stranded in Kuala Lumpur for years, selflessly rescuing them from abandonment, educating them, feeding them and housing them in a rental place next to her family home.
They lived a modest life. The money to sustain the orphans came from public donations. Sadly, Kak Zalina passed away unexpectedly last November. This was of course a blow to her family but even more so to the refugee children to whom she had assumed the role of a mother.
She was not glamorous and had no social media presence but she was one of our local heroes who dedicated their lives to helping others.
There are so many more Kak Zalina in our society. Some contribute energy, others give financially and the rest assist in raising awareness for a cause.
This life, this world, is volatile, and in the midst of challenges and uncertainties, the spirit of the community is the heartbeat of our survival. Your small contribution can help someone or even save them.
I hope that by reading this, you are motivated in some ways to help and continue to help those in need. It's time to get out there and be part of the support system.
