# – 12 Golden Wishes.

Like the previous recognition ceremony, it was a low-key but nice & heart-warming ceremony :)

# – Many people attended the ceremony.

Each corporation received a plaque and a certificate to commemorate their effort in fulfilling the 12 Golden Wishes, including Nuffnang for raising a significant amount of funds for Rumah Aman.

# – Anne and Rachel received the plaque & cert on behalf of Nuffnang.

What are the 12 Golden Wishes? Watch this video to find out:

My favourite wish that was fulfilled was the one by Selangor Cheshire Home, a centre that focuses on empowering youths with learning disabilities through specialised skills training so that they could gain employment and most importantly, independent living.

They hoped to furnish the live-in facilities in their new building and Fella Design successfully fulfilled Selangor Cheshire Home’s wish by working with their vendors and staff members. All the rooms were tastefully and comfortably furnished, yay! By the way you can read more about the process of furnishing the rooms here.

At the ceremony, I was also invited to talk about my experience distributing food to the homeless. Was a nervous wreck but was glad to be able to chip in my 2 cents. Thanks for the opportunity, TLC!

# – That’s me jabbering.

I am honoured to be part of the TLC Promise Me Season 2 campaign. My involvement this time made me realised that no matter how small a contribution is, someone, somewhere is living life a little better because of it.

For the four of us, we were about to distribute food to the displaced & homeless in Kuala Lumpur for the very first time. We’re all a little excited, a little nervous and a little scared. Personally, I didn’t know what to expect.

Some background first….I found out about Reach OUT via TLC Promise Me, whom I work with last year to raise funds for a hospital bed. Founded by husband & wife team, Peter Nicoll and Fexaa Nicoll, Reach OUT is non-political, non-religious and non-profit. Volunteers at Reach OUT are made up of people all ages, races, cultures, religions and from all walks of life.

Reach OUT distributes food to the homeless in Kuala Lumpur everyday as it believes that the act of providing nutrition is the first step to eradicating urban & rural poverty. They help out outside KL too but the food distributing is the main thing. Being directly in touch with the people who are displaced is essential in gaining their trust and to gather information of their situations. When trust is in place, it would be easier to assist them in getting off the streets.

At 11.30pm, we noticed a group of people walking towards us. They were carrying large, red coloured bags. We found out later that all the bags contained nutritious Halal food donated by hotels, restaurants and various organisations.

Some of the people were seasoned volunteers and some were first timers just like us. You could almost detect the nervousness on their faces ;)

# – The bags of food.

Peter Nicoll started briefing us on safety measures and the right conduct while on the walk. Always stay in the group, don’t wander off, don’t approach the people on the street from behind, be courteous to the people, no public display of affection, don’t give money, among others. We’re also told that we’re free to leave the group if we found ourselves getting too emotional or exhausted at any point.

# – Briefing in progress.

Right after the briefing, an articulate, well dressed man named Max approached us. Feexa introduced me to him. I was surprised to find out that Max is one of the homeless people that Reach OUT regularly helps out. He’s certainly not the stereotypical homeless man I had imagined earlier.

He talked passionately about the kittens that he’s caring for and he politely asked for some cat food. He’s been homeless for over 30 years due to a bitter divorce many years ago. He had lost everything & everyone to his ex-wife. We promised to pass some cat food to him later on, and we did.

# – Max.

After the briefing we set off in our cars in a convoy. Our first stop, Pudu Raya. We exited our cars with packets of food in hands and slowly walked towards the back of Pudu Raya. The sight that greeted me was shocking.

# – There were about 15 homeless people sleeping in a row. And about 15 more on another side.

I couldn’t believe that there were already so many at only one spot. And we have half a dozen more areas to cover!

Where did all these homeless people come from?? I was told that we never notice them in the day as they’re constantly on the go. Some even have jobs, albeit extremely low paying jobs.

After sending some little extra money they have to their hometowns, they’d be literally left with nothing, not even for half-decent accommodations, let alone food. You could tell that they’re very appreciative of the food given. If you want to see genuine smiles, I implore you to join Reach OUT :)

After Pudu Raya, we moved on to another part of the city. We’re right outside some bank. I always wondered why the homeless tend to sleep outside banks – I assumed banks are just cleaner in general but I found out from one of them that the primary reason is because banks have CCTVs. They camp outside banks simply for safety.

Knowing that put some things in perspective for me as well. It was difficult to relate to the unfortunate at first until I realised that they’re just like me and you…..concerned about issues such as safety and cleanliness.

It’s not like they choose to live on the streets, you know. They really have no choice. Perhaps there are things that they can do to improve their situations but due to lack of awareness or education, these people really have no idea. And this is when Reach OUT steps in to assist them.

# – People sleeping right outside the bank.

There was an 8 month old pregnant woman. She was due to give birth anytime and yet instead of resting in the comfort of a home, she’s sleeping on an old mat outside a bank with her husband. It’s that screwed up. They came to KL to find jobs but with no such luck, they didn’t even have enough money to go home.

# – The pregnant woman sharing her story.

Feexa told me they’ll be refering her to a shelter for women which would take care of the delivery of her baby. That’s a relief to hear.

We went to several other places and it’s all the same. Rows and rows of people sleeping on the ground on mats or cardboards with the little belongings they have close by.

# – When the shutters are down, they make their beds.

When we came across cats, we’d feed them too. They provide wonderful companionship to the displaced. When I asked why weren’t dogs fed, I was asked back whether I had seen any dog. It was a sobering question….I wonder what happened to all the dogs in the city. Food for thought…

# – Hungry kitties.

While distributing the food, I chatted with one of the volunteers. A fashionable, young man named Hasif. I found out he’s actually a Run Leader for Reach OUT, which means he leads food distributing every week! In fact, he’s already doing it for several months already.

I was pleasantly surprised – why would a young man like him sacrifice precious nights distributing food to the homeless while his peers hang out at mamak stalls ogling at girls or partying. You know, having fun?

I had to ask him why. He grinned shyly and just said he felt that he could help out, he’s got the time anyway. And then he said, “You never know, one day I could end up homeless and I’d be so happy that there are people who would give me some food then”. I was truly humbled.

He mentioned that he’d love to make a documentary highlighting all these urban issues and I think he would definitely make a mark :)

# – Hasif.

Finally, our final destination was a storm drain, somewhere under a busy elevated road. It could be Klang River but honestly, I’m not too sure – it was about 3am. Peter jokingly called it The Lost City of Atlantis – with penthouses, he said. We were super curious as to what he meant by penthouses.

Turned out the “penthouses” were several areas at the top of some steep walls where the homeless sleep, haha. I guess you have to be able to find humour in these things if you were to face do this every single day.

# – “Penthouse”.

We walked along the massive drain and found most of them sleeping under elevated roads in complete darkness. You could tell they were so appreciative of the food distributed even in the dark.

# – Notice the elevated road? They sleep underneath it.

I noticed spectacular graffiti arts on the walls and I was told that they were done by the homeless themselves! I had to wonder what cruel fate they were dealt with…..why with such big talents and yet they have no roof over their heads? In truth, I’m a little afraid to know the details, I’m not certain I can handle it.

# – This artwork highlights that children need help too.

# – Another one depicting various social issues caused by poverty.

By the time we emerged from the storm drain, it was near 3.30pm. It was a humbling, eye-opening experience. I talked with the BF and we both agreed that we would like to contribute on a long term basis. As Peter Nicoll said, it’s voluntary work…just come when you have time or whenever you feel like it, no pressure.

I’m not going to convince you to contribute based on my experience alone, instead I’d implore you to at least join one time to see for yourself. If it’s not your thing, that’s fine. But at least have seen it for yourself.

So how do you get involved? Just join the Reach OUT’s Facebook group and watch out for the daily updates. There’s no need for registration whatsoever, just appear at the designated meeting spot at the designated time :)

# – Reach OUT.

Of course, if you would like to contribute food, clothings, medical supplies or basic necessities, even money (for buying more food and medical supplies), you could do so through the Facebook page as well.

In all honesty, I don’t do this because I want to change the world or that I’m so particularly touched but really, I just like the feeling of going home with a renewed appreciation of my own life and an unexplained satisfaction. I think those genuine smiles really helped.

REACH OUT is a strictly non-profit, non-political & non-religious organisation that aims to provide nutrition, medical support and training skills for the homeless so that they could one day re-enter and contribute to society.

I found out about REACH OUT via TLC Promise Me, whom I worked with last year to raise funds to buy a hospital bed for Goo Tyng Tong.

Homelessness is quite a unique problem. It doesn’t get as much attention or sympathy compared to say…orphans. For some reason, people tend to brush it off as a result of laziness. Eh, these homeless people are able bodied, so why can’t they get a job?

Well, tonight I learnt that homelessness is not caused by laziness. It’s just that sometimes, some people can be dealt with really cruel cards in life.

# – No, they’re not having a picnic.

Sometimes, they could be born to poor uneducated parents whose parents were also poor & uneducated.

Sometimes, they could be impregnated by abusive men with equally abusive family members.

And sometimes, if the universe decided to be humourous, they could even be both.

The circumstances of the homeless in KL are completely unimaginable to us, people who choose not to eat so we could be thin – the spoilt bourgeoisie. They are stuff soap operas are made of, minus the glitz, glamour & happy endings.

# – Down the storm drain, here we go.

So….laziness? Don’t these people wish they have the luxury to be lazy.

After seeing what I saw tonight, I’m honestly slightly embarrassed by my own dissatisfaction with life. Here is a dumbass who got upset because she can’t afford to go to Maldives to dive. There are worse things to get upset over, you know what I mean?

Right now I am thankful for what I have and who I have to lean on to.

I had such a fun, fun day hanging out with my closest friends and entertaining the resident children. Oh and needless to mention, the earth-shattering, most delicious grilled food from #bbqaddicts!!

I probably shouldn’t have exposed some of the younger children to the addictive nature of electronic games but hmmm….I’m sure they’ll snap out of it soon enough! Hehehee.

# – Sargeant Master Grill Lance at work.

# – Melissa fanning her man in sexy shorts…and I don’t mean Melissa lol

# – Firestarters – Ah Horng, ST, God & a jolly uncle.

# – ST and his dirty fingers.

# – Suan entertaining the kids.

# – Goodie bags stuffed with stationeries, thanks to Suan who took the initiative to raise funds, find a supplier and prepare the bags.

# – Wah, look who’s got umbrella girls @_@

# – My stomach grumbles at the sight of this…

# – The children enjoying the delicious food.

# – With my assistant ;)

# – Looks like this angmoh quite popular.

# – Ruby and Yuki playing UNO with the kids.

# – Lydia passing goodie bags to the kids. Lydia’s the person who initiated the entire outing, approaching #bbqaddicts who invited us to join. Way to go, Lydia!

# – KY, Horng and God q-ing up with the kids to get goody bags. SHAMELESS!

# – Art attack!

# – Girl with her awesome creation!

# – Wall of fame.

# – God offered carrier service but only Kerol willingly used it though…

# – Group pic! Yay!

By the way, there will be an Open Day on 5 March 2011 (Saturday) from 11am-5pm at Rumah Hope. You can go there to meet up with the children and perhaps contribute to their fund raising for extension of the Girls’ Dormitory.

# – Map to Rumah Hope.

What a nice way to spend the weekends :)

Rumah Hope
No 45, Jalan 20/2, Paramount Garden.

It was a low-key but nice ceremony :)

# – Many people were there.

All of us got a certificate each. It has become my favourite cert because it’s a reminder of the wonderful experience and valuable life lessons learnt while taking part in the campaign.

# – Receiving my certificate from Madam Julia Chong, the CEO of TLC.

# – My fellow bloggers who participated in the campaign, Cindy and Saimatkong also got theirs.

Cindy got a custom-made multi-focal spectacles for Madam Lily Sin and Saimatkong got a customised ankle brace for stroke patient Mr. Kau.

I was asked to share my experience participating in this campaign. I was nervous while on stage but happy to be able to tell everyone about this life-changing experience :)

# – Thanks Nuffnang and TLC for this wonderful opportunity.

The brainchild behind this campaign is Mr. Jonathan Teoh, who left his high flying job as an architect to plan, organise and make TLC Promise Me campaign a reality. His hard work is admirable & his motivations noble. If there’s anyone I truly respect, Jonathan is one of them.

# – With Jonathan Teoh, the force behind TLC Promise Me.

I’m really, really glad that I was part of the campaign. You know, I really didn’t want to do it at first and gave myself a lot of excuses. I was skeptical and doubtful, basically I didn’t think I would be successful in raising anything! And the worst thing? I agreed to do it due to the embarrassment of saying “no”.

But as I received more and more support in the forms of donations and well-wishes, my perceptions gradually changed. I am still surprised by the fact that 3 hospitals beds have been bought and delivered to Goo Tyng Tong and his friends.

The credit is certainly not mine alone. You know who you are and I hope you can feel the exact same contentment I’m feeling from doing this because you deserve it so much more than me!

# – With some of the TLC Promise Me participants.

Thanks again guys!

Participating in this has been an enlightening experience for myself. I am still overwhelmed and touched by the amount of support shown by not just friends but complete strangers. I’ve promised myself that whenever I feel jaded or disappointed with people (most often than not over petty, silly issues), I’ll always think about this amazing display of generosity, kindness and selflessness to remind myself again that there are good in this world.

Well, after some unforeseen delay, Goo Tyng Tong’s hospital bed has been successfully delivered to him. On top of that, two of his housemates in similar plights have also received a hospital bed each.

Yes, thanks to your support and kindness, we’ve managed to raise enough money for 3 hospital beds. Thank you so, so, so much! The beds are double fowlers, basically means they can be raised in two parts, which would make tasks like feeding, changing clothes, cleaning, pass water and many more much, much easier. Hospital mattresses were also bought and I was assured by the vendor that they are not covered in ordinary PVC but with breathable water proof material.

# – Goo seems happy with his new bed :)

On behalf of Goo and his friends, I would like to specially thank and extend my gratitude to all the contributors below:

# – One of his friends on the new bed.

# – Here comes another BIG smile!

# – The costs of the beds came up to RM5040.

After buying the 3 beds, there was RM175 left, which I made out in cheque to Goo’s care centre.

# – A picture of the cheque for transparency purpose (yes, that is my writing and it’s horrible).

THREE hospital beds! WOW! To think that I was not even sure if I could manage to raise funds for one bed.

You guys truly, madly, deeply rock!

Read about the journey of this initiative here:

• All it takes is one promise.
• TLC Promise Me Pledge Update #1
• You’ll never walk alone.
• TLC Promise Me Pledge Update #2
• TLC Promise Me Pledge Update #3



]]> http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/11/01/thanks-for-supporting-this-cause/feed/ 11 http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/25/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-3/ http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/25/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-3/#comments Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:45:38 +0000 Kimberlycun http://www.kimberlycun.com/?p=3989 It’s been 25 days now since my first post on my pledge to raise funds to buy Goo Tyng Tong a hospital bed, under the TLC Promise Me campaign. The support I’ve received in the past 22 days has been nothing less than enormous.

The current amount now stands at RM3500 RM3900, not including other pledges of donations that amount to RM1000, which would increase the amount to RM4900!! That’s almost 5 times the initial target! Looks like there’s some space for a 2nd bed :)

This is truly a humbling experience for myself. I gotta admit, you guys are not just helping Goo but is doing me a HUGE favour too. I’ve never felt better in my life. Even the boyfriend has noticed a difference to my personality; according to him I’m displaying much less madness since I undertook the pledge. Being surrounded by so much kindness does make you view the world in a different light.

# – This is a PSA shot by Bernama for the campaign.


Here’s the latest list of private donors and corporate sponsors:

Private Donors	RM
Mr. JK	100
Ms. Paige K	200
Mr. C	400
Mr. Liverpool FC Fan	700
Mr. Paul Tan	500
Ms. Kimberly P	200
Ms. Radiance L.	200
Mr. Niki Cheong	200
Corporate Sponsors	RM
The Pop Look	200
Queen Chloset	200
Paultan.org	800
Cziplee	200
Artmakr	200
TOTAL	3900

# – Had to make a new chart to accommodate the stratospheric increase ;)


A lot of people have asked me if I’ve got enough funds but to be honest, please keep them coming. With the amount raised so far, we could definitely get Goo a more than decent bed but as long as we’re still in the fund raising period, I’d love to get as much as possible so that it’s possible to get a 2nd, even 3rd bed for the other kids in similar plight at the centre.

# – With Goo.


If you’re interested in supporting me with this initiative you can do so by taking up a one-time only offer of publicity packages on this website:

-140px*245px Banner Ad (online for 30 days) with one dedicated advertorial/review: RM800 [2 spots available]

-Text link ad on side bar under the title “Caring Supporters” (online for 30 days) with one mini advertorial (combined write-ups with a maximum of 5 sponsors in one post): RM 200 [6 spots available]

For enquiries, email me at kimberlycun[]gmail.com

Thanks again for the support everyone. I can’t thank you enough but please know that you’ve made a wonderful difference to Goo’s life.

Read about the journey of this initiative here:

• All it takes is one promise.
• TLC Promise Me Pledge Update #1
• You’ll never walk alone.
• TLC Promise Me Pledge Update #2



]]> http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/25/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-3/feed/ 5 http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/15/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-2/ http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/15/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-2/#comments Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:18:22 +0000 Kimberlycun http://www.kimberlycun.com/?p=3910 Thanks to the generosity of my friends and readers of this blog, this initiative has managed to raise a total of RM2500 to date. On behalf of Goo Tyng Tong, thank you all so much. This amount is more than enough to get a decent hospital bed for him. In fact if the final amount permits, I’d try to get another unit of bed for the benefit of the kids at Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children’s Association of Johor.

Here is the list of private donors and corporate sponsors:

Private Donors	RM
Mr. JK	100
Ms. Paige K	200
Mr. C	400
Mr. Liverpool FC Fan	700
Mr. Paul Tan	500
Ms. Kimberly P	200
Corporate Sponsors	RM
The Pop Look	200
Queen Chloset	200
TOTAL	2500

# – RM2500 raised to date.


Today I went to Ampang to visit Goo with my mother. The centre, tucked in a quiet and peaceful residential area is actually a 2nd branch of the Association, which main centre is located in Johor.

# – The centre.


# – Selangor Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children Centre.


It is my first time visiting such a centre and the scene there really tugged at my heartstrings. It’s heartening to know that there are people such as Mr. Chan who dedicates his entire life into caring for these children instead of chasing material comforts.

# – Mr. Chan, who has worked at the centre for more than 10 years, around the time it was first established.


By the way, Mr. Chan is an avid collector of vinyls/LP, he even happily played a song from his beautiful gramophone for me and mom. If you have any unwanted LPs or vinyls, please feel free to pass them on to Mr. Chan at 016 381 7261, just to make a kind man with a humble hobby happy eh :)

Mr. Chan introduced me to Goo, a handsome 17 year old with a debilitating condition since birth. He has severe muscle atrophy which makes his 17 year old frame much smaller than it should be. He is unable to register complex conversations or words but would respond to simple phrases. For instance, when Mr. Chan asked him to smile, he did it with gusto :)

# – Goo Tyng Tong.


Goo currently sleeps on a basic single bed. When I told him that we’re getting him a new bed, he seemed to respond cheerfully to that :)

# – A picture with Goo.


If you’re interested in supporting me with this initiative you can do so by taking up a one-time only offer of publicity packages on this website:

• 140px*245px Banner Ad (online for 30 days) with one dedicated advertorial/review: RM800 [3 spots available]
• Text link ad on side bar under the title “Caring Supporters” (online for 30 days) with one mini advertorial (combined write-ups with a maximum of 5 sponsors in one post): RM 200 [8 spots available]

Visit TLC Promise Me for information about this pledge campaign. For sponsorship enquiries and interest in supporting this particular initiative, please email me at kimberlycun[]gmail.com

You can read about my initiative at these links:

• All it takes is one promise.
• TLC Promise Me Pledge Update #1
• You’ll never walk alone.



]]> http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/15/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-2/feed/ 12 http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/09/youll-never-walk-alone/ http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/09/youll-never-walk-alone/#comments Fri, 09 Jul 2010 04:37:32 +0000 Kimberlycun http://www.kimberlycun.com/?p=3837 Yesterday, a kind-hearted gentleman offered to match what I had raised so far Goo’s hospital bed funds and gave me RM400. As much as I like to tell the world how awesome he is, he insisted on being anonymous.

This morning, I received an email from a stranger who offered to donate RM700 to Goo. Within 2 minutes the money was already transfered to my bank account. He wants to be known as “Liverpool FC Fan”.

Later on, an email came in from a lovely friend whom I’ve never met but whose delicious blog I have read since Xanga times offering to donate RM200 to the initiative. We share the same name too. Thanks Kimberly from Kimberly :)

While drafting this very blog post, another email arrived from a stranger offering to donate RM200. I am speechless. Thank you so much, Ms Paige K.

I am truly humbled by the generosity of these people. I admit I have been cynical from the start with this initiative. Selfishly, I’ve gained a lot of emotional satisfaction from doing this pledge, thanks everyone for giving this priceless experience to me.

# – It’s almost off the chart!!


The official amount of money raised now stands at RM1900.

I really believe it now, that you’ll never walk alone.



Thank you all for the support.

Learn about the initiative to raise funds for Goo to get a hospital bed here:

TLC Promise Me Pledge Update #1
All it takes is one promise.



]]> http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/09/youll-never-walk-alone/feed/ 11 http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/09/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-1/ http://www.kimberlycun.com/2010/07/09/tlc-promise-me-pledge-update-1/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:59:09 +0000 Kimberlycun http://www.kimberlycun.com/?p=3819 As many of you who already know, I’m currently raising funds to buy a hospital bed for Goo Tyng Tong (of Handicapped and Mentally Disabled Children’s Association of Johor) under the TLC Promise Me Campaign.

# – TLC Promise Me Campaign launch on 5 July 2010 at Bangsar Shopping Centre.


My minimum target is RM1000 and so far I have managed to raise RM400 through offering publicity space on this website. I would like to thank The Pop Look, my most favourite online clothing store and Queen Chloset, an online store that sells beautifully crafted corsets for being onboard and so keen and passionate about helping me with this initiative. Please do check out the stuff from these caring proprietors :)

As fate would have it, a very kind man, who has requested to remain anonymous has also donated RM400 to Goo’s hospital bed funds. I am deeply moved by his gesture and I wish that all great and wonderful things to happen to him. With his generous donation, I’m only RM200 away from the targetted minimum of RM1000. On behalf of Goo, thank you so much, Mr. C :)

It doesn’t stop at RM1000, I do have about 20 days more to go to raise more money, so I could get Goo the best bed he can have.

# – Almost hitting the target of minimum RM1000.


If you’re interested in supporting me with this initiative you can do so by taking up a one-time only offer of publicity packages on this website:

-140px*245px Banner Ad (online for 30 days) with one dedicated advertorial/review: RM800 [3 spots available]

-Text link ad on side bar under the title “Caring Supporters” (online for 30 days) with one mini advertorial (combined write-ups with a maximum of 5 sponsors in one post): RM 200 [8 spots available]

For enquiries, email me at kimberlycun[]gmail.com

I’ll be meeting Goo this weekend and hope he’ll be happy to find out that the fund-raising for his hospital bed is doing well :)

Thanks for all your support, guys!

++ Update ++

Have managed to hit RM1900!!! Read about it here :)



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