By Zhang Yu-fen
Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting
Photo by Yang Shun-bin
Going from home to home, Tzu Chi volunteers do more than install safety equipment—they bring care and connection.
Ireceived a message from my Tzu Chi team leader, Sister Huang Feng-zhu (黃鳳珠), which read: “Master Cheng Yen, the monastics at the Jing Si Abode, and our local Changhua chapter are all concerned about the safety of senior volunteers in their homes. To help prevent accidents, handrails can be installed free of charge for those aged 65 and older. This will also help bring peace of mind to children living and working away from home.”
After discussing it with my husband, we politely declined the offer, as we felt we didn’t need the installation just yet.
But a week later, Sister Feng-zhu enthusiastically followed up and asked me to send her our address so volunteers could come and install the handrails. I told my husband that the team was planning to come. He asked, “Do we have to pay for it?” I said, “No, it’s free.” He murmured, “Really? They’re offering that for free?” I replied, “I wouldn’t mind if we had to pay. But since it doesn’t cost us anything, we can always donate the same amount instead.”
Not long after, three Tzu Chi brothers—Chen Guo-zheng (陳國政), Shi Yi-liang (施宜良), and Zheng Kun-yang (鄭坤楊)—arrived at our home to assess the site. As they measured, they also took photos. We learned later that, after leaving our place, they still had to visit 15 more volunteers’ homes that day. Their dedication and enthusiasm deeply impressed my husband.
I’m sincerely grateful to team leaders Sister Zheng Jia-zi (鄭佳子) and Sister Feng-zhu for staying in close contact with everyone during this time. They patiently coordinated and adjusted the installation schedule according to each person’s needs. It took a lot of effort to make everything come together!
On the day of the installation, Brother Guo-zheng arrived in an SUV packed with tools and materials. We helped him move the heavy equipment into the living room. He got right to work, installing handrails in three locations and adding anti-slip strips to the stairs, while I assisted him.
He worked skillfully with a range of tools. He said with a smile, “In Tzu Chi, you learn so many things along the way—even if you didn’t know anything about them at first.” He had started out helping others install handrails, buying his own tools just in case he needed them. Over time, he became a main installer, not only serving fellow volunteers, but also helping people in need. He has completed over 700 installations to date.
Brother Guo-zheng shared that many volunteers were curious about why Master Cheng Yen initiated this handrail project. She has always cared deeply about the well-being of volunteers and is mindful that many are growing older and need safer living environments. Even though some can no longer serve actively, she remembers their past contributions. This thoughtful gesture has deeply moved many senior volunteers.
On a typical installation day, Brother Guo-zheng heads out at 7:30 a.m. and works until around 6 p.m., completing as many as 30 installations in a single day. After he finished the work at our home and left, my husband shared his thoughts with me: “Brother Guo-zheng is truly admirable. He runs his own business, yet still dedicates so much time and energy to Tzu Chi—and does it with such joy.” I replied, “Yes! And he’s formed so many good affinities through the work he does. His days are full and fulfilling.”
Our volunteers truly embody this aphorism from the Master: “The value of life lies in every moment—in seizing each one to move in the right direction and do what is right.”
To me, Tzu Chi is a truly beautiful group. Learning goodness, cultivating kindness, and practicing love—these are the principles that guide us daily. I feel so fortunate to walk this path with Tzu Chi. How about you?
