Main image via Francis Poh [FMT]
“When someone helps you and they’re struggling too, that’s not help. That’s love.”
We’ve seen this quote on social media one too many times but recently, we’ve been able to relate to it so much more especially when seeing Malaysians helping one another out there during this difficult period. Francis Poh is one such Malaysian.
MIX had the opportunity to speak to Francis, who formerly worked in an entertainment industry but lost his job due to the pandemic. The 39 year-old shared his inspiring story of how he started to help the less fortunate by donating food.
Francis, who is also an animal rescuer for about eight years, has been offering pet-taxi services.
He is known for being a very dedicated and an honest person among his friends. The world came crashing down for him when his wheelchair-bound grandma passed away in March 2020, amid the pandemic. All of a sudden, he felt as though his life went from a happening, exciting, and a happy journey to complete silence… and being home. Dwelling in the silence didn’t help him feel any better.
After many months of battling anxiety, Francis decided to get up and going. After a little motivation from his friend who said he should do something that would make him feel better, the rescuer asked for donations and headed out distributing food to the less fortunate, one day at a time.
The good deed he started on 26th June, has caught the attention and praise of many. With the help-one-another volunteer, Francis goes out to buy food from the struggling stall and restaurant owners.
The smile on their faces really makes his day. The depression survivor plans everything a day in advance and has a list of restaurants and stalls to buy the food from. He would then inform the seller so that the food will be ready for collection in time.
At the moment, he distributes food to the people living in a flat in Kota Kemuning and intends to do so for a month. However, with the overwhelming response and donations he’s been getting from the public, Francis is doing as much as he can to serve the people.
When asked what keeps him going, he said:
“I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through. I’m sure my small deed will give them a little hope to go on, one more day”.... And then they go from there.
We’re glad that Francis is now dealing with his anxiety a lot better by keeping himself busy. Sometimes, it really doesn’t matter how much we can help. What matters the most is how much our little help means to someone.
Way to go, Francis!
By: Piravina Ragunathan
Filled Under :
*We reserve the right to delete comments that contain inappropriate content.