RiPleY's CoLLecTioN

I was reading a news article on a family of 20 with 13 kids living in a cramp flat. The family is in poverty and the poor kids are innocent. They don’t have a choice to be born into such an environment. A photo showing the kids living in such a condition made me sad. My heart sunk. I decided to do something about it, no matter how small it is.

I contacted the reporter who wrote the article and told her I wanted to donate stuffs for the family, especially the kids. And so…the arrangement was made and I started a small fund raising within my group of 12 buddies. They were all so generous in their donation, contributions and 2 went together with me to visit the family. I was touched. Everyone wanted to help the kids. We collected and bought lots of daily necessities, food, clothes, stationaries and basic items for the family.

Yesterday, 3 of us together with the newspaper reporter visited the home and the kids were so happy when they saw our gifts! They were quite obedient and just being kids, they were having fun. Their house is quite empty, with bare items. Most of the things were donated by other kind people. I was touched by the kids as they really did not bother about the harsh condition. They were happy with just small things like a box of crayons or a cap.

We were quite shock to see that they don’t have enough mattresses to sleep on and some of them have to sleep on clothes laid out on the floor. My friends and I have decided to send them some mattresses next week, along with some school bags and shoes. The reporter who followed us did an interview session with us and another photographer took group photos. I think they are going to publish it but it’s all for a good cause.

Anyway, the experience was touching and humbling. Although the kids have nothing much (not even toys) but they are happy with just the smallest things. Sometimes, we are so engaged with our busy life, problems, gadgets, and material things but if you think about it, we only need basic things to survive and be happy. I was geneuinely happy when I saw the kids smile. You can’t describe the feeling, it is just pure joy. Although it is just a small gesture from us but you never know, it may somehow change a life.

There are too many people out there that needs help and of course we can’t help everyone but by just trying to reach out within our means and reach, it makes the world a kinder place.

My friends and I with some of the kids and women

The kids were overjoyed with our donations

The kids checking out the stationaries

The nearly empty kitchen

(All photos taken with Canon S90)