I told you that I have been actively volunteering for the past year and now I have something to show for it!
Yay!
I have been giving my time at a volunteer-run non-profit organisation called Ibu Family Resource Group that is the first parenting support network in Malaysia since Nov 2017.
My Roles
I played 2 volunteer roles – one as a playgroup representative and another as a writer.
As a playgroup rep, I host some of the social group gatherings once or twice a week. I get to hang out with mommies with children that are in the same age group as my little one.
The best opportunity for my daughter to mingle around other children since she is homeschooled.
And as a volunteer writer is a no brainer actually. If I can earn my living as a freelance writer, I definitely can part some of my time to write about my experiences as a new mother. This is much easier for me to share that part of me on a different platform without mixing into MiddleMe’s niche.
Here are some of my published articles on Ibu:
https://www.ibufamily.org/bonda-blog/how-can-i-stop-my-baby-standing-up-in-their-cot
https://www.ibufamily.org/bonda-blog/best-sunscreen-for-babies-and-kids
https://www.ibufamily.org/bonda-blog/best-party-costume-for-kids-in-kuala-lumpur
Why Ibu?
I have stated that one of the reasons I moved to freelance (besides taking a break and focus on my family) is to give back to the society that has been so kind to me.
My first choice was to actually work with animals. I really love animals and I haven’t venture anywhere (volunteer or a paid job) near that area. When I first resigned from my corporate job, I did scout around the animal shelters like SPCA for volunteer work but I couldn’t travel very far since I don’t have a driving license yet. I ended up adopting 3 cats of my own instead. Haha!
My next choice was to contribute to the refugees camp in Malaysia but I was heavily pregnant by then and was advised that I won’t be suitable.
With me being the sole caregiver to my little one, it was pretty hard to have a newborn and do any kind of volunteer work until I stumbled upon Ibu Family Resource Group and it became my perfect choice of volunteer work.
I can bring my little one with me while I volunteer at playgroups.
Show her by being a role model.
Learn different parenting styles and share similar parenting stories with likeminded mummies. As an expatriate, my network of friends just blossomed over the course of volunteering.
What I benefit the most
Of course, being a volunteer you get a nice vibe that you are doing something good. But it is so much more than that!
When I first relocated to Kuala Lumpur, I didn’t have a single friend. All the friends I gain was through my husband’s network from his workplace. Besides starting out as a freelancer then, I was struggling to fill my days with proper adult conversations. Facebook and WhatsApp messages don’t count.
I realised that I need to get out of the house. Even if that means I have to call for Grab, manoeuvre around with a diaper bag, a stroller and a crying baby.
Being a playgroup rep means I have a goal in getting out of the house. It means restoring my sanity as I sought empathy from fellow mums. It means my kid get to parallel play with other kids and learn valuable social lessons like sharing and giving.
They say…
It takes a village to raise a child. What I started out doing is only to volunteer and what I gain back are a wholesome support system and wonderful friendships. Volunteering is not all about giving but taking some back too!
Have you volunteered before or currently volunteering? Do share your stories with us!
Can’t get enough of MiddleMe? You can find me sharing my thoughts here as well:
Instagram @kallymiddleme
Twitter (MiddleMe_net)
FaceBook (MiddleMe.net)
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/kallytay
Best things in life are meant to be shared, start spreading MiddleMe around, after all, sharing is caring.
MiddleMe 
Work with animals lovely🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s great that you’ve found something that you love that’s also rewarding and a service
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow!
You are definitely nailing/rocking on so many levels, Kally. Please stay this way.
Kisses for your little princess 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you for your encouragement! Means a lot to me!! Kisses and hugs back.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I like it
LikeLiked by 1 person
To occupy your time in profitable activities and in passing, that you like, is a very big achievement. A happy weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love volunteering and am an extremely passionate volunteer. that’s what my new AllheART website is all about. I’ve shared lots of pictures on there about the events I have been volunteering at. Love your photo with the hands making up the heart.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time but they do have the heart.”
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love your quote! Totally apt for this post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes I had plenty of experiences with mother and carers groups. Usually started going along and was soon volunteered to help! So vital for new mums or mums who have moved to a new area. The most important thing is to notice any new person to the group and make sure they feel welcome.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes! That’s what we do. To welcome new moms especially expatriate moms who don’t have their families and friends with them in a foreign land.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! This is amazing! You are the inspiration to many women.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thank you so much! I tried my best.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good for you Kally. Since I retired I’ve moved twice (to San Diego and now to Charlottesville). I didn’t know anyone in either place, but through volunteering, I’ve made good friends in San Diego and hope to eventually make good friends in Charlottesville. I value my time and want it to mean something. There are so many worthwhile causes that each of us has to chose carefully for the causes that mean something personally. I’ve written some blog posts about volunteering. https://equipsblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/23/volunteers-what-we-want-part-2/ and https://equipsblog.wordpress.com/2019/01/22/volunteers-what-we-want-part-i/
Pat
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kally,
Is there something wrong with my commen?. You’ve held it for comment for a few days. I can delete the URLs to the blog posts if that is what is holding it up.
Pat
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Pat! I’m so sorry the system listed your comment under Spam. Thankfully you’ve alerted me and I got to fish this out!
Thank you for sharing your experiences about volunteering. They are very inspiring and insightful indeed.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks. I appreciate you letting me know about the issue. Glad you were able to fix it. I’ll try not to spam you. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Spam me all you want, Pat! I always look forward in seeing your comments here. They cheer me up tremendously.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing!… wonderful that you stepped in and made a difference in the lives of many!… Kudos to you!.. 🙂
“At the end of the day people won’t remember what you said or did, but they will remember how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou
LikeLiked by 2 people
I always love Maya Angelou’s quote! Thank you so much for that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
“It is better to light One Candle than to curse the darkness”
You Kally are such a candle. You pour out your light {LOVE} to countless others.
THANK You!
God Bless you,
Patrick
LikeLiked by 2 people
Patrick, as always you are so sweet. The inspiring light in the rainy days. Thank you and god bless you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am happy that you have been found. Keep up the great works.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much! Have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 2 people
The same to you my friend.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Compliments Peng Yu. You are a good person. 🙂
(But I knew that already)
have a lovely week-end with your family.
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol. Thank you, my dear peng yu. You too, are extraordinary. Have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Kam siah Kally. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is fantastic! I think it’s wonderful that not only are you sharing your experiences through your writing and making a difference to the lives of others through your volunteering, but that you’re able to see the positives doing this has been having for you too. You should be very proud 🙂
Caz xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Caz. I do see the positivity that volunteering and sharing brought into my life. I gain so much more by doing so much lesser than I did when I was in the corporate world. I am proud of my achievements and it’s a never ending journey!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I take my time to read carefully but, first of all, very good! I’ve often been a volunteer and I really appreciate your choose
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much, Paola. It feels good to give back doesn’t it?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so glad you discovered another area you enjoy, and that it is not only benefitting you, but your little one as well…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much. Yes! I truly enjoy volunteering and love that I can be a role model to my little girl.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks a lot, Giovanni and welcome to MiddleMe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m proud to follow your nice blog now… 😊
LikeLike