It Takes A BIG Heart to Feed the Multitudes
An article in the Straits Times today caught my attention and brought on a flood of sentimental nostalgia.
http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/food-for-5000
It featured Willing Hearts, a charity that feeds the multitudes across Singapore, 365 days a year. The founder is Mr Tony Tay, my late parents’ good friend and their neighbour for more than 20 years in Thomson Ridge during the 80’s and 90’s.
I was in my late teens when the Tays moved in next door. This family injected a heady kampong spirit in the usually quiet precinct with their genuine warmth and friendliness. Uncle Tony, as I used to call him ( and still do ) is a big man with a big appetite for food and for helping the needy. His home was always open to friends, neighbours, and to all and sundry. There was always lots of food to spare and to share. The house was one big buzzing hive of activity, with his three children, their spouses and the grandchildren. And oh, there were also residents of the furry sort – a massive hulk of a Doberman who was as gentle as a lamb and some stray cats he took in which never went hungry again. Along the way, there was also an Alsatian, a Pit Bull and even a Dalmatian.
Uncle Tony gave me my first pet – a black poodle called April. One day he came round my house carrying her in his arms. I was absolutely thrilled. It was one of those moments in life you never forget. Since it was a gift, my parents were too polite to refuse. Thanks to Uncle Tony, his kind and generous gift brought untold joy through a four-legged friend which multiplied when April gave birth to Mumbly, which was adopted by G’s mum and sister. April was the stalwart, faithful companion who was there for me when I went through turbulent times and difficult periods. Mumbly, on the other hand, was the consumate clown who entertained us with his antics and goofiness. Towards the twilight of his life, Mumbly remained a puppy who never grew up.
Apart from pets, Uncle Tony also loved fishing. He owned different types of sea vessels which he bought and modified them to suit his needs. On weekends, he would invite our entire family to join him on his fishing trips. The catch of the day would be promptly cleaned, cooked and laid out on his dining table to be enjoyed as a communal meal between our two families.
His wife, Mary, is a quiet pillar of support and strength, gentle and gracious. I remember “Grandma” , the matriarch of the family, with her fetching booming voice, whom everyone adopted as their own because she was the epitome of what a grandma is.
My Dad was a reserved and very private sort of person. Uncle Tony and his family reached out and brought him out of his shell. In no time, he became very much a part of their circle. When my Dad passed on, it was Uncle Tony who made all the arrangements to provide food during the wake and on the day of the funeral. It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture, so typical of the man.
I love good, wholesome home-cooked food and I also enjoy the process of cooking, baking and sharing the joy with others. It suddenly occurred to me that perhaps Uncle Tony has played a pivotal part in shaping this.
As I am reading the Straits Times article, I am overwhelmed by what Tony Tay stands for and what he is doing – which is but a natural extension of the person he truly is. Uncle Tony, thank you for being there for my family and you have my highest respect for what you are doing for the community!
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