Spring delight: Saw Choo (right) and her friend Tang Lin Oi, 73, showing their red packets at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: In Mandarin, nine is pronounced “jiu”, which rhymes with a similar word that means long-lasting.
For the Teoh sisters, sitting down for a meal with all nine siblings is a time-tested tradition that they hope will continue for a long time to come.
Having gathered for the traditional reunion dinner on the eve of Chinese New Year for at least three decades, the three Teoh sisters, Saw Tin, 69, Saw Choo, 75, and Ah Choo, 78, who are all single, will be hosting their six other siblings and families.
“There are nine of us in the family with the rest of them all married.
“Our gathering also includes extended family members, like some of their grandchildren.
“Most of my siblings are living in Penang. We even have a brother who lives in Australia.
“He will be back here as well to join us.
“It is usually a noisy affair with more than 20 people gathering under one roof to celebrate.
“It is nice and we look forward to it every year as the three of us are single.
“The only time our house is so packed is during the festive period,” said Saw Tin, a retired factory worker.
Saw Choo is the one who cooks, assisted by her other two sisters.
“She is the one with the culinary skills in the house, so we leave that to her.
“We do help out as well, usually with the housework and cleaning,” said Saw Tin, adding that the three are close and practically do everything together.
“We have lived together for decades and it has been great. We have each other and that’s what matters,” she said.
The Teoh sisters were among some 2,000 seniors who received red packets during the “Handing Out of Spring Fest Red Packets to Senior Citizens” event at the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang.
Its president Datuk Sim Ah Chye said the event was held annually for decades as a form of giving back to society.
“It is part of our mission and we give out RM25 to each person (amounting to RM50,000).
“Recipients include residents from four old folk homes in Penang as well,” he said.
At the same event, the society also gave out the proceeds raised from its Harmony Charity Food Fair Fund.
“We raised RM165,000 and have 11 beneficiaries, comprising various charitable homes. Each organisation received RM15,000,” he said.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, who was the guest of honour, expressed his appreciation to the society for its proactive effort over the years in providing assistance and support for the vulnerable groups.
