Yugeethra Elanggova Kumar

“Have you ever felt immense fear to do something, but because of your strong desire to help others, you find a way to overcome that fear?

I experienced this when I volunteered at a blood donation drive for the very first time. I used to be terrified of needles and the sight of blood. When RYTHM Foundation organised a blood donation drive sometime back and called for volunteers, I wanted to do something to help. I volunteered initially to help create awareness about the drive and distribute flyers to the public. While reading through the information in the flyers, I found out how a small act of donating blood can actually help save a life. It struck me that for just a few minutes of discomfort on my part, I could potentially save an accident victim, or a baby in surgery. This can impact an entire family. I realised how far reaching the consequences of blood donation are. My fear changed to a strong desire to be able to give someone a chance to live another day and I Immediately signed up to donate blood. Since then, I am proud to say that being a RYTHM Volunteer has brought meaning to my life. I have learnt to empathise with others. Also, when you help those in need without expecting anything in return, you feel a certain unexplainable self-satisfaction and inner peace that makes your day more meaningful. The gratitude I feel to have the capacity to lend a helping hand surpasses any kind of happiness I’ve felt. The philosophy of RYTHM is very close to my heart. I used to volunteer to give tuition classes to young children during my university days. I participated in a number of social causes organised by my university. I have also recently signed up with a an NGO to expand my personal vision to raise myself to help mankind and change more lives.

My family is now inspired by my experiences. My sister has actively started volunteering and participating in social causes organised by her University. As a family, we have grown closer as we have taken up a family activity to distribute food to the homeless regularly.

I’ve realised that there is no limit to what and how you can help someone in need. So, no matter where I am, I have decided I will be an instrument of change in some way to share the blessings I have been given.” *Yugeethra Elanggova Kumar is an Accounts Executive in the QI office in Malaysia. She has contributed over 20 hours towards volunteering projects with the Foundation this year and is looking forward to participating in more activities that benefit young children, and empower girls in marginalised communities.