Aloysius Fong was driving to meet a friend for a quick round of golf on May 10 when he saw a sight that broke his heart. In the middle of the road, a thin and frail elderly woman was stooped low, struggling to pick up her collection of recycled cardboard that had fallen onto the road.
In a Facebook post, Aloysius said he was at Joo Seng Road when he reached a junction and noticed the woman.
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He was concerned for her safety and promptly hopped out to assist her. Aloysius told The Pride: “She was on the road, in the middle of the junction, which is especially dangerous. I thought it was best for her safety to get her out of that situation, so she could continue with her work. It is always my natural response to help people out, especially if I am not holding up traffic or endangering myself and others.”
As Aloysius was helping the woman, he was heartened to see that he was not the only compassionate stranger on the scene: another man soon exited his car to help the elderly woman as well. The two of them stopped only after they had firmly secured all the cardboard back on her trolley with a cord tie.
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“She seemed very touched at our gesture,saying ‘kumsia’ (thank you, in Hokkien) many times, and calling us very helpful,” recalled Aloysius. “It was great to see her smile.”
This heart-warming act of compassion is a reminder that you don’t need a lot to make someone’s day: just a small act of kindness, and a big heart.
Friends and family have been quick to commend his helpful attitude, with comments such as, “Good to see there’s still kind people out there!” and “Proud to have you as friend!”
However, he feels that kindness does not necessarily need to be acknowledged. “The little we can do, we must do for the sake of others who are less fortunate.”
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On that note, he is saddened at the “mind-your-own-business” mentality that is typical of most Singaporeans.
“Sometimes, people don’t like it when they perceive others as kaypoh. But people should learn to change and be more empathetic, especially when they see others around them suffering or in danger,” said Aloysius.
His message to readers: “Although your good deeds may feel insignificant at times, in the end, it can help make the world a better place. It also makes your life a more fulfilling one.