Daring to care

Timeless classic: Stewart (centre) in a scene from It’s A Wonderful Life.

IT has become an annual ritual for me, going back almost 20 years.

Every year, just before Dec 25, I pull out my Blu-ray DVD (it used to be a VHS) copy of It’s a Wonderful Life.

This is probably the best-loved Christmas movie of all time and if you haven’t seen it yet, I urge you to catch this inspirational film.

I’ve seen it more times than I can count but I still get a lump in the throat watching Jimmy Stewart’s performance as George Bailey, a man who plumbed the depths of despair but is finally saved by the love of his family and friends.

I dare anyone who watches this film not to be affected by it. The movie’s underlying message is, “Help someone today”. Because, somewhere down the road, you will need help too.

But it’s always the same old cliché this time of year when you hear people say, “Think of the less fortunate”. Sadly, this is merely lip service for most of us. 

This is actually the crucial period when charity homes, orphanages, old folks’ homes and the like rely on your donations and assistance.

Unfortunately, a lot of companies are scaling down on spending for corporate social responsibility projects and this has certainly impacted the well-being of these homes.

Christmas is a little over a week away, and this is the period when lots of shopping gets done.

It also generally coincides with bonuses being paid, so before you click that button to get that next gift, think of what your RM100 or even RM50 could do for the less fortunate.

There is a Chinese saying that goes, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

For centuries, the greatest thinkers have suggested the same thing – happiness is found in helping others.

I make no apologies here for plugging The Star Media Group’s CSR initiative in collaboration with SkyWorld Development.

The #DaretoCare campaign will see the distribution of 50,000 The Star newspapers in eye-catching collectable brown paper bags at selected areas within the Klang Valley this Sunday (first batch) and Jan 13 (second batch).

The public is encouraged to fill the brown bags with gifts they wish to donate or essentials such as household and personal care items, stationery and dry food products. They can also leave heartfelt and encouraging messages on the back of the paper bag to brighten up the recipients’ day.

The #DaretoCare campaign will bridge the gap between the welfare homes and donors, as they are not required to look for such homes on their own.

The bags can be dropped off at either one of the four SkyWorld property galleries from Dec 18 to Feb 15. For more details, visit SkyWorld’s website at www.skyworld.my/#DaretoCare.

I’m positive the campaign will be well received because Malaysians, despite their own troubles, are a generous lot as witnessed recently in the outpouring of aid and donations for the flood victims in Penang and the East Coast.

Andy Williams famously sang about it being the most wonderful time of the year and with the Christmas tree up, festive songs blaring on the radio, and malls all decked out, one can’t help but be caught up in seasonal cheer.

So, yes, I’m really looking forward to Christmas, exchanging gifts and spending time with loved ones.

This is also a period where you wind down, reflect on how much work you’ve done over the year, and take time to enjoy the things in life that really matter. And because of its year-end date, this is a holiday usually enjoyed by all, whether you’re Christian or not.

But in the midst of all this merry-making, spare a thought for the underprivileged.

As we draw to the close of 2017 and savour these last few weeks of the year, there is still time for us to be an instrument of peace, hope and love.

A Merry Christmas to one and all and may the wonder of Christmas surround you throughout this holiday season.