SENSE OF VOLUNTEERISM: Lim (back row left) handing over donation to Sister Regina of Cheshire Home early this year in this file photo.
KUCHING: Former police marine staff Lim Chee Haw has a wonderful and meaningful hobby.
He sends food items, brooms, floor mops, clothes and dustbins among others, even coffins on behalf of anonymous donors – well meaning individuals who are publicity shy.
Social activist Lim said over the past five years, he has done around 100 over charities on behalf of generous local donors and has transported a total of 30 coffins to deserving recipients.
Dubbed ‘middleman’ or ‘transporter’ by the media, Lim explained that the coffins were donated to needy or hardcore poor families regardless of race and religion.
He explained to The Borneo Post on Thursday that some recipients would feel awkward to receive free coffins and they would return Lim some tokens as gratitude.
“We are sincere in giving and they are also sincere in taking. That is why we do not mind even receiving tokens of RM1 to RM2 as appreciation,” he said.
“I have no qualms in helping others who intend to help fellow human beings. The donors just wish to remain anonymous,” he said.
He normally starts his New Year chores by transporting donations from anonymous donors.
The self-employed man said he was happy to do the favours for donors secretly and for free because he enjoys the experience in helping people and it provides him with the answer to what life is all about.
Lim, a Buddhist, said he is doing the noble deed not because of money or religion.
“I do not get a single sen from charity work because it was done all in the name of volunteerism.
I normally work alone – like a one man-show.
But sometimes there would be friends and social activists helping me to transport the donations or goods because I don’t have a vehicle,” said Lim.
The centres which have benefitted from Lim’s charity works include the Sarawak Society of the Blind, Cheshire Home, Batu 12 Old Folks Home, Salvation Army, Hung Nam Sng Tng at Jalan Sekama, and Sarawak Tong Sim Siang Tng at Green Road.
“Their (donors) identities are safe with me. The donors do not have to worry about anything. And that is probably why they would come to me for help,” he pointed out.
Lim, who resides in Kenyalang Park, said he is the eldest of eight siblings and that he still takes care of his 86-year-old mother at home.
He does not carry a handphone around because he is afraid of losing it so he promotes his activities through the newspapers and word of mouth.
Lim can be reached at 082-248153.