My late father was my inspiration who exposed me to the world of volunteerism through his volunteer efforts. Growing up, I saw my father with a group of such minded persons volunteer their time and effort to help the less fortunate, the needy even though he was holding a full-time job at that time in the government sector. I suppose his motto had always been, ‘Work for a cause, not for applause’.
From a young age I, become accustomed to seeing and meeting various people who came to seek my father’s help and some just to thank him for his efforts to solve their issues being it dealing with government department bureaucracy or assisting with other forms of need.
I have been fortunate to have been living in Petaling Jaya with my parents and siblings for the better part of my life and had been employed with United Parcel Service for over 25 years in the Customer Service Department and this is where my own journey into volunteerism started.
The American based company was very big in social services and we, the employees were encouraged to take part in the projects that they devised n which I did at every opportunity and seeing the faces of the children, the elderly, the special needs group & single mums which we assisted made me realise the joy of giving and expecting nothing in return. Small things like painting the home, drawing murals on the walls to brighten homes, supplying special food as a treat made it all worthwhile.
I left my employment in early January 2020 and before that had been thinking on what I can do to carry on bringing cheer and helping out the less fortunate and at the same helping myself keep in touch with my surroundings, I read some about the works, the fellowship and the people that make up the Rotary Club and how people come together in efforts to make this a better place.
I reached out and it turned out to be an honour and privilege to be accepted by the Rotary Club of Petaling Jaya, these are exciting times for me to be able to contribute in a positive manner and I have made some good friends who were every willing to guide and support me at RCPJ.
Always excited to attend the meetings and get involved in the projects and seeing the happy faces of the people that we assist – Supermum is one project that has taught me about the tough life some people go through n how these strong-willed women are coming out to help themselves through RCPJ. We are making a difference.
Proud that I am a part of RCPJ and to be able to come together with my fellow Rotarians and be a positive force to myself and help change lives as the saying goes, ‘The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others’.
Lastly, I believe that there is no better way to honour my late father than to follow the path that he had shown me.
Yours truly,
Padmini M. Subramaniam
