To Be a "Beggar" For Charity !

Last weekends,I gained a unforgettable experience as a solicitor raising funds for the disabled.It was organized by the Disabled People's Association---a non-profit,cross-disability organization.It was also a Institution of Public Character with approval to issue tax-exemption receipts to out donors.They appealed all students in Singapore including PRC students to be volunteers for the charities.

Definitely,it was the first time for most of us to ask strangers for money with a can on the streets.I was anxious to hold a empty can wearing volunteer uniform like a "beggar"in our Chinese views.However,considering itself a good course out of passion,I had a deep breathing and got rid of the awkward feeling.Meanwhile,since I had mentally prepared before to be refused and treated critically,I brazened to set off my adventure alone.

The first target was always the hardest to handle.After hesitating,I chose a lady who seemed friendly and kind exteriorly to ask lightly as a gentle man:"Um...Excuse me,would you like to help..."before my voice faded,I noticed that she neglected me motionlessly.Then away she went.I sighed and began to search for the next person.In spite of this little frustration,I comforted myself:"It's okay,don't be upset.It's just a beginning..."thus,my yearning "to win the most fundraising"continued.

It cost me three hours to be skilled in this game.I met hundreds of people passing in front of me. Gradually,I got used to deal with various strangers no matter who they were,where they came from.Normally,people would chose to refuse politely or put some insignificant coins into my can with a smile.I could tell they said refusals between the lines such as"Sorry,I've already donated"or"Sorry,I'm catching my time." I congratulated myself for not being refused by abuse.Yet,some ignored me like the first lady.

At last,I raised almost 200 dollars approximately making my can heavy.Even I was not the most funds raiser,I concluded some effective ways for fundraising.First,where to raise was important.The district we started was a commercial area.The exits of supermarkets were always best choices.I didn't set my heart into working immediately.I chose a place with proper floating of people instead of where a few of students asked at the same time.I was not far from a POSB ATM so that people who came to go shopping from their apartments would pass me.Most came and drew money.After that,they met me with purse on hands.It was convenient to donate!Second,whether succeed to raise money partly depended on different people.Some parents with children always would like to give little sums to show the kindness as well as education.The women with headscarves---maybe Arab,and the European were always generous to me as a Chinese guy.Old local ladies would like to help me when they walked weakly to purchase for dinner while old men would walk by without any expression.Maybe their hearings functioned not very well.

For those who had a kind heart to believe me and donated money could take one sticker that I offered.It caused many interesting encounters.

Once,there came two naughty boys who had taken out their hands towards me.They gave nothing to me but a little cheat.I had to smile and said with a flash of wit:"Wouldn't you want to get this sticker?Ask your parents to donate for the disabled!" Hearing this,they hesitated and run to their parents.After a while,they came back with cash.

Another once,I managed to persuade a man to donate.Before he leave,something occurred him.He asked me alertly:"Is there many students raising funds like you in front?""Ur..Yeah,so I recommend you to take a sticker and paste on shirt."He agreed and went ahead.

From this special event,I realised that something might not turn out to be invincible as it seemed.From this unique activity,I got to know that a man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm. From this particular experience,I gained nothing materially but kindness and diversity in society when I was a "Beggar" !