Appreciating our tireless frontliners

The Owxhite T-shirts recognise the contributions of Malaysia’s frontliners in combating the pandemic. — Photo courtesy of Doc2Us

CK Chang, founder of Malaysian fashion label Oxwhite

I believe that a simple act of kindness can have a lasting positive effect on people.

That is one of the reasons why I decided to sponsor T-shirts for the frontliners in Malaysia.

When I went to get my Covid-19 vaccine jab, I witnessed firsthand how tirelessly the volunteers there worked.

Yet they still managed to keep up their spirits despite their heavy workload. Seeing that warmed my heart.

This is also the main reason why I agreed to the sponsorship.

Partnering with Doc2Us, an online telemedicine provider, Oxwhite gave out 800 T-shirts with the slogan “I’m a frontliner, our work saves lives” to volunteers at vaccination centres nationwide.

We hoped that it could help raise the volunteers’ morale.

Due to the encouraging response, we kicked off another independent campaign.

This time, it was opened to all manner of frontliners – doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, firefighters, media personnel, police officers, army personnel, dentists, mental health workers, counsellors and other staff including janitors, housekeepers, security guards and Rela volunteers.

Our frontliners have been working very hard and they are undoubtedly the heroes of our country.

Our campaign was a small form of recognition for all they have done for all of us.

It may just be a T-shirt, but I believe that acknowledging a frontliner’s contribution in any way can make a difference.

The T-shirts are also a way for frontliners to feel connected as they can wear it like a badge of honour.

Previously, Oxwhite also gave out 5,000 reusable face masks to the public. Another 1,500 face masks were donated to the United Nations High Commissioner For Refugees in Malaysia.

I am touched by how Malaysians from all races and religions have banded together to help one another in these challenging times.

I have seen Malaysians reaching out to help those in need within their communities. It is an encouraging way to spread the message of love.

I believe we should all take care of those around us in every way that we can.

We only need to open our eyes and listen to our surroundings, and there will be someone in need of help.

Let’s put aside all our differences in terms of race, religion and politics. It’s time to lend a helping hand to those who have lost their jobs, those with low income and those who are refugees or foreign workers in Malaysia.

We all need to come together in the true spirit of Malaysia and help to the best of our ability.