“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
In case you’re not familiar with that phrase, the famous line was said by John F. Kennedy during his inauguration’s speech when he became the 35th President of the United States of America. This line urged every American to stand by their country and work towards its progress instead of pointing their fingers and hoping others will do it.
Emerging as a living testimony to that famed-line is Padma Nadarajah from Taman Yarl, Jalan Klang Lama, who initiated a car wash fundraiser to raise money for the Tabung Harapan Malaysia (THM) fund, reported FMT.
Source: FMT
Inspired by Mahathir’s passion and dedication towards restoring the country’s glory, Padma said,
“I was moved by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and what he is doing for the country at his age (92). I asked myself what I was doing to help the country ‘recover’?”
“That’s how we decided to put this together on Wednesday, when I got (the) news about the fund.”
“I sent a message out through the neighbourhood WhatsApp chat group to gather the neighbours’ feedback on this.”
Source: FMT
Initially, Padma targetted to collect about RM1,000 from the fundraiser but much to her delight, she collected a total of RM4,000 for THM. Yay, that’s four times more!
Padma, who previously worked as a secretary at the Texas Instruments semiconductor manufacturing plant, explained that organising the fundraising event was child’s play as she was used to organising large events for her company.
Source: The Malaysian Insight
“It wasn’t difficult organising this, but I was touched that so many residents in Taman Yarl volunteered to contribute in either manpower or kind.”
“When I proposed this idea, families wanted to contribute car shampoo, tyre shine and even the sponges used to wash and wipe the cars,” said Padma, who is in her early 60s.
Teamwork at its finest!
Source: The Malaysian Insight
Wanting to leave an impact amongst young people, Padma also added that the car wash fundraiser served as an education for the youths. She said that it teaches them about their responsibilities as Malaysians and it motivates them to make a difference in this country.
“We invited the Seputeh MP Teresa Kok so the children could get to know her and put a face to the name,” she said.
Wondering whether Teresa Kok showed up? Well, not only did she show up but she also gave in her car for a wash. Such a supportive MP!
Source: The Malaysian Insight
Padma continued, “It was good teamwork and everyone had fun.”
“Many others volunteered to sponsor snacks and drinks. I am really overwhelmed by the support this community has given today.”
“Altogether 70 cars were sent for washing and we collected RM2,420.”
“Some who didn’t send in their cars donated RM1,580. Other volunteers chipped in to make the final total RM4,000,” she shared.
The car wash fundraiser, which depicted Malaysians’ unity and patriotism, finally ended at 2pm successfully.
Source: The Malaysian Insight
We’re so glad Padma did a great job with the fundraising event as she managed to collect more money than she expected.
On a side note, this fundraising effort is proof that Malaysians are realising that we have a part to play in this country. We are beginning to understand that we can make a difference despite the size of the impact. We hope that this unity, teamwork and patriotism will continue to live on in every Malaysian!
With that said, I leave you a quote once said by a great freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi,
“You must be the change you want to see in the world”.
Also read: Uncle Heartwarmingly Hands RM1,200 to DAP MP for Tabung Harapan Malaysia
