Wheelchair-bound woman, 93, still contributes actively to society

MALAYSIA - Last year for the last 49 years, the wheelchair-bound woman has been visiting the Penang Home of the Infirmed and Aged.

Retired headmistress Ong Kheng Chin is 93 years old and has not missed a single year of visiting the home.

The reason: She wants to bring Chinese New Year cheer to the residents there, and this is because she believes in giving back to society, The Star reported.

Madam Ong's philanthropy began in 1964, when she was the headmistress of the Penang Buddhist Association Kindergarten.

Her only son, Mr Chin Kok Cheong, 59, said his mother would visit the home on the Sunday two weeks before Chinese New Year, bearing items such as red packets and mandarin oranges for the residents.

On Sunday, about 20 people, including Madam Ong's family and friends, joined her in distributing about 300 red packets and other items to the inmates and staff at the home.

Recalling how she began visiting the home, Mr Chin, a retired university professor, said: "She was taking the bus to work one day and saw the home, which was under renovation and had only a few residents then.

"My mother just knew that she was fated to help the poor, sick and needy. She visited the home with a few friends and saw several people cooking in the kitchen.

"She then felt that she could help out by buying some ingredients for them."

Mr Chin said his mother, who turned 93 on Saturday, has become an inspiration to their family and friends to help the less fortunate.

'Strong will'

He said: "My mother is strong and healthy despite her age and being wheelchair-bound. Those who know her and those whom she has just met are amazed by her strong will and determination to help people."

Mr Chin added that because of Madam Ong, many people have joined her to give out goodies during the Chinese New Year period.

He also said that his mother donates to non-profit organisations such as St Joseph's Home and Salvation Army Penang Children's Home.

When asked what is her wish for the coming Chinese New Year, she replied: "World peace."

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