In its continuing focus on the lives of marginalized Anak Bangsa Malaysia, SABM’s Special Events Team chanced upon a group of people up north and down south who continue to prove that love is indeed a many-splendoured thing. Refusing to be spectators in the arena of life, they have devoted their time, energy and resources over the years to a worthy cause and, in effect, have set a benchmark in the art of giving

Giving is an act that adds value to another life. Where a recipient has absolutely nothing to offer in return, the giver can respond with a selfless love that cherishes human life..

Persatuan Kebajikan Wu Ji Dao’s members at its main branch in Bukit Mertajam and newer branches in Kulim and Johor Bahru have been doing just that over the years. Again and again they give of their time and their resources to bring hope and cheer to the physically challenged, the abandoned, the sick, the fatherless and the broken in spirit.

Eyes meet eyes, the giver offers and the gift is accepted. Location: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Istimewa Johor Bahru

According to Association member Law Chuet Leng, 26, a vivacious Allianz Insurance employee, PKWJD has been around for about 10 years. People like her visit the centre twice a week to help the sick who turn up as well as others needing different types of help.

With voluntary contributions of RM 10 each per month, the over 1,000 members from the three branches are able to make substantial purchases for their visits every three months to the homes of the marginalized. At those times, adults, youths and young ones in tow head out in vehicles well-stocked with provisions and gifts.

“We want to do good things” Chuet Leng explains. “I joined to help.”

Starting out young to give from the heart (Chuet Leng is on the right). Location: Persatuan Yee Ran Jing Sheh (Rumah Kanak-Kanak Cacat), Bukit Mertajam

Among the usual supplies brought to homes are rice, meehoon, oil, biscuits, packet drinks, diapers, blankets and towels. In addition, school-going children receive exercise books, ballpoint pens, art blocks, T-shirts and gift packs, and old folks are blessed with new pillows, sheets, basins, ang pows and hand fans to stave off the heat of the day.

Hesitation in giving and anticipation in receiving face a moment of suspense. Location: Persatuan Yee Ran Jing Sheh (Rumah Kanak-Kanak Cacat), Bukit Mertajam

Programmes are thoughtfully planned to cater to the different groups so that the visits are meaningful. In the homes of the elderly, bedrooms are cleaned and spruced up.

A PKWJD member crouches to spray into a corner, while the occupant inspects his newly-owned gifts. Location: Rumah Sejahtera Pokok Sena

Programmes at homes for the handicapped include dances, singing and getting the children and youths to join in fun activities before lunch is served.

The human tunnel is worth a try for the children and youth. Location: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Istimewa, Johor Bahru

PKWJD members also involve themselves with the children’s studies and with health concerns.

A little one slumps over a ball, his fragile back an impediment to upright movement. Location: Kamakshi Child Home, Lunas, Kedah.

Among the PKWJD groups are professionals in the hairdressing line. They come armed with scissors, razors and clips and set up shop on the patio floor.

One girl sits stoically under the flurry of snipping scissors while the other cringes at the thought of losing hair. Location: Kamakshi Child Home, Lunas, Kedah.

Even as the giving spirit prevails from year to year among this selfless band of PKWJD men and women, the sobering thought must surely come that for all the effort, there are still those whose lives remain untouched.

How do you bring a smile to a life that seems clouded by a bitter past?

What can you say to lives like these whose days are spent in vacant gaze?

Can you say with certainty to them that the pain will go away?

When you go along the giving way, you give with all you have inside of you. But you will never have that guarantee that the ones you touch will go on to live victorious lives.

Members of the Persatuan Kebajikan Wu Ji Dao are still on the giving way. They will be at the doorsteps of the marginalized for yet another round of giving. And then another three months after that, again another round of tender loving care.

When you love, you don’t give up. You still try to give them rainbows.

Batman meets Pokemon up in the Selayang skies every weekend. In fact just about every superhero and cartoon character is up there jostling for a square foot to flap about. Down on terra firma, their more common incarnations steer these kites by tugging at strings.