In our lives, we may have had an unexplained “calling” that we feel compelled to answer; some energy that draws us towards it and makes us want to embrace it. Some call it passion, some call it purpose. For Velasamy, his calling was to serve the needy.
For the past fifty years, while being employed at a private firm, Vela has effectively managed his time by volunteering at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society. A memory that is still embedded in his mind is the first time he went into Disaster Relief after school in the late 1960s. Johor was experiencing a great flood and his team was deployed to three districts for a total of one month. They fed thousands, manned the Relief Centres and organised mobile First Aid posts. This event opened his eyes to the fate of fellow citizens, building his will to assist others during hardship.
Another time was when he was involved in feeding the Vietnamese Boat People who sought refuge on the eastern shores of Johor. He saw how much other human beings suffered after being displaced from their homeland. He wanted to help in any way he could, no matter who it was, beyond the barriers of race, religion, or ethnicity.
“Red Crescent has given me this opportunity to serve a fellow human being in need,” said Velasamy.
Seeing smiles on the faces of the recipients of kindness is enough satisfaction for him: it is proof that his intention to help has been achieved. Everybody around him is very supportive of his work, thankful to have met someone who is sincere about helping others.
Vela, with a passion for service, says he can’t imagine what he would be doing if not helping the ill, the maimed, the underprivileged, and the vulnerable. Retirement to him means still being engaged and active in serving the community and he is ready to face the challenges that might come along. He plans to share his expertise and experience with others who share a passion for voluntary service.
